Holli Nyika

Civil engineering degree apprentice, University of Derby and Mott MacDonald

Expertise

Design, Structural

Location

Yorkshire & Humber

My highlights

Getting to go onsite and assist in a railway bridge inspection

Getting the opportunity to visit the Birmingham HS2 site

Winning the ICE Yorkshire and Humber STEM Ambassador of the Year Award in 2026

A day in my life

During a typical day, I will:

perform structural calculations as part of the bridges design team
produce reports following structural inspections/monitoring
attend lectures at university that provide me with wider knowledge of civil engineering disciplines

Being a member of the ICE has helped me to network with various people within the industry, and I have learnt a lot from others’ experiences.

What inspired you to become a civil engineer?

My dad worked as a construction project manager on water projects and I was fascinated by all the engineering behind the physical construction of the projects.

But initially, I struggled to secure a work experience opportunity during sixth form. Through a teacher's connection, I was fortunate to gain a three-day placement with a leading civil engineering contractor.

That experience was transformative for my career. It introduced me to degree apprenticeships and gave me an insight into the industry.

This allowed me to realise that not all students have access to such opportunities and I became determined to make work experience more accessible and meaningful for others.

This is why I'm passionate about being a STEM ambassador and making exposure to STEM careers accessible to all young people.

We asked Holli…

I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because…

You get the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world through structures that people use every day!

Complete this phrase: I’m a civil or infrastructure engineer/technician, but I’m also…

...a travel enthusiast.

Name one civil or infrastructure engineering myth you’d like to bust.

That civil engineering is just about building infrastructure.

It's about connecting cities through bridges, delivering vital resources like clean water to communities worldwide, working collaboratively to solve the challenges we face within our built environment, and so much more!

How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?

As an apprentice within the bridges team, I contribute to addressing climate change by assessing the condition of existing structures and supporting maintenance solutions that extend their lifespan.

By inspecting and monitoring bridges under different environmental conditions, I help identify the most effective ways to preserve and strengthen them.

This reduces the need for full replacement, which ultimately minimises embodies carbon and materials used.

By prioritising maintenance and sustainable solutions, my role supports a more efficient and environmentally responsible approach to managing infrastructure.

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

I assist in providing work experience opportunities for students across South Yorkshire.

This helps to diversify the next generation of civil engineers by raising awareness to young people from all backgrounds.

What is motivating you to become professionally qualified? 

I'm motivated by the additional confidence being recognised by the ICE as an Incorporated Engineer provides.

What made you decide to study engineering?

I have always enjoyed maths and physics, and I'm fascinated by how these concepts are used to build large infrastructure.

Holli's career path

I studied A-level physics, maths and product design. During this time, I had a work experience opportunity with a civil engineering contractor that gave me insight into the industry.

I then went straight to work for Mott MacDonald as a degree apprentice, and I'm currently studying civil engineering at university.