Harriet Hatton

We asked Harriet…

A day in your life...

As an apprentice civil engineer working on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (West), my role has evolved from site-based engineering to project planning.

My first three years were spent onsite, where I gained a solid foundation in how rail infrastructure is physically built. This includes setting out (marking where things need to go before the build starts), completing quality documents, and preparing health and safety records.

I’m currently on secondment with the planning team, where I’m learning to develop and manage programmes using scheduling software like P6.

The work is fast paced, requires coordination across different teams and adapting to real-world challenges such as weather delays.

Night shifts can be full-on. We’re often racing the clock to get a lot done in a short window.

It can be hectic, but it’s also when the job, and everything you’ve been planning, really comes to life.

Everyone pulls together, and there’s a real buzz onsite.

What inspired you to work in civil engineering? And why did you specialise in rail?

My decision to pursue civil engineering was inspired by my mum.

She saw construction as a vibrant industry with ongoing demand for skilled professionals and encouraged me to apply for a degree apprenticeship.

Her advice also stemmed from wanting me to build a stable, independent career and I’m incredibly glad I followed it.

I was placed on a rail scheme simply because it was my nearest project, but that placement turned out to be a stroke of luck.

I’m now part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (West), a transformative programme that’s set to strengthen rail connectivity across the North, enhance travel for passengers, and support a more sustainable future.

What’s the most exciting project in rail at the moment?

I’ll admit I’m biased, but I genuinely believe the Transpennine Route Upgrade (West) is one of the most exciting rail projects happening right now.

The scale and ambition of upgrading critical rail infrastructure in the North is remarkable.

Now, we’re working towards a major milestone: a 30-day blockade, where intensive works will take place to push the project forward.

It’s a project that will noticeably make a real difference to passengers and communities.

What’s the biggest thing the public misunderstands about railways and how they operate?

A lot of people think rail is just track, but it’s more complex and fascinating than that.

It’s a huge collaborative effort that involves civil engineering, signalling systems, electrical power, telecommunications, environmental planning, and so much more.

What do you think is the key to a society-wide modal shift towards public transport, particularly rail?

Delivering services that are frequent, reliable and affordable is essential for encouraging people to choose rail.

Taking the train is often more enjoyable than driving, but trust in the service is crucial to encouraging more people to use it.

On TRU West, for example, we’re widening platforms at stations. This means trains can carry more carriages and therefore provide more seats for passengers to use.

And when more people travel by train, it brings more revenue into the network, which feeds back into further improvements. It’s a positive cycle.

How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?

As a woman in engineering, I feel genuinely proud.

It’s been inspiring to be part of an industry that’s evolving - one where I’ve felt supported and empowered to do my job.

While the industry has historically been male-dominated, I’ve had amazing experiences onsite with colleagues who value respect and teamwork.

The culture is shifting. It's becoming less about who you are and more about how well you do the job.

In my experience, when you show respect, it’s returned. It’s about choosing the right person for the task, and I’m seeing more and more leaders champion inclusivity and fairness across the board.

What role does digital technology play in your job?

Digital technology is essential to my role.

I use P6 (Primavera P6) to manage schedules and spot critical paths and CAD for quality and design, and 4D modelling to visualise progress over time.

Platforms like EviFile and ProjectWise help us report and share work seamlessly.

Technology is also always evolving, so there’s always something new to learn.

What is motivating you to become professionally qualified? 

I need to achieve the Incorporated Engineer (IEng) qualification as part of my apprenticeship, but it’s also a personal goal.

Pursuing it will help me become a more competent, confident, and well-rounded engineer.

What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?  Has it helped in a particular way?

I'm incredibly proud to have achieved the Engineering Technician (EngTech) qualification and joined the ICE, becoming part of a global engineering community.

It represents the dedication and effort I’ve put into my development and seeing that hard work pays off is deeply rewarding.

Keeping development logs has been especially helpful in tracking my growth and making sure I stay on course with my personal goals.

How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified? 

Achieving the Engineering Technician and the Incorporated Engineer qualifications is integrated into my apprenticeship.

Once I achieve my level 6, I will complete an End Point Assessment in which I must gain IEng .

How has being a member helped your career? 

I'm actively engaging with the ICE as I work towards gaining my IEng qualification.

This journey is helping shape me into a more well-rounded engineer.

I'm currently focused on getting all my attributes signed off, and I find the process genuinely constructive.

It’s shown me how far I’ve come, while also helping me identify areas where I can continue to grow.