Davey Wallace
Assistant civil engineer, BAM Nuttall Ltd
Expertise
Construction, GeotechnicalLocation
United KingdomMy highlights
Being awarded with ICE QUEST Technician Scholarship in 2022
Completing 1 million cubic metres of bulk earthworks in 2023
Winning the Jean Venables Medal following my EngTech review in 2024
A day in my life
I get into work for the daily briefing at 7am.
I complete daily surveys and liaise with the site team throughout the day about ongoing bulk earthworks.
I check the quality of construction and monitor efficiencies to increase production and reduce the carbon footprint of our works.
I also help with the GPS systems on all excavators, dozers and rollers and manage the machines onsite.
When I get back to the office, I work with the engineering team to plan the upcoming works.
I use CAD to process designs and check the specifications for upcoming works such as landscaping and seeding.
I then will create slides on progress, efficiency, or technical specifications to present to the team in our weekly meeting.
By 5.30pm I finish work, head to the gym or for a walk. Then I get home and work on my university assignments or relax.
Being part of the ICE allows me to be part of a movement to make the world a more sustainable place. This motivates me.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
Although I wasn’t born to see it, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge alongside all the bridges across the Tyne sparked my interest in civil engineering.
We asked Davey…
I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…
It’s such a varied profession, and every day is different.
You will have the opportunity to see the construction process from the bottom up and its positive impact to local communities.
It connects communities, relieves traffic, reduces flood risk, provides energy and many other integral things to society.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
A walker, traveller, and a silversmith.
What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?
I skipped the Lego and started working on motorbikes or wood with my dad!
What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?
Knowing I will get to work with a great team to deliver work which will leave a positive legacy.
What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
Working alongside big teams with people from all over the world and all backgrounds.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
I would’ve loved to work on the Humber Bridge.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
Civil engineering is all about maths.
Maths is a small part of the role. Some of the most integral skills in civil engineering are communication, analytical thought and organisation.
What motivated you to become professionally qualified?
The ICE holds a high level of prestige in construction and civil engineering.
Being a part of such an institution brings me great pride, and has helped me in my career, offering me great opportunities to develop and learn.
Being part of the ICE allows me to be part of a movement to make the world a more sustainable place. This motivates me.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
Being professionally qualified with the ICE has provided me with a level of respect from peers in the industry alongside a network.
It’s offered me a common ground with many members across my company and the industry.
What’s the best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE?
Recognition and industry credibility.
How did the ICE and/or your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
BAM offers great opportunities to develop and one of these, which is recommended, is to become professionally qualified with the ICE.
Through the apprenticeship, I’ve had great support from fellow members and work-based learning advisors at college.
The ICE offers many resources such as webinars, the NCE magazine and documentaries which can be beneficial when working towards professional qualifications.
What do you value most about being an ICE member?
A sense of belonging in a prestigious organisation which strives to deliver positive outcomes to causes I believe in.
How has being a member helped your career?
Being a member has inspired me to achieve professional qualification and then driven me to continuously improve my technical, management and professional skills.
Any personal causes or hobbies?
I want to show that doing an apprenticeship is a brilliant route into construction and civil engineering, allowing you to become academically and professionally qualified while working.
It’s important people consider and see the merit of this route, especially in today’s financial climate.
Davey's career path
I joined BAM’s apprenticeship scheme after A-Levels.
I have since completed a higher national certificate (HNC) with level 4 apprenticeship standard, alongside achieving Engineering Technician (EngTech MICE) status with the ICE.
I have now started my level 6 apprenticeship standard and BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering: Site Management.
