Michelle Johnson
Head of water asset design, WSP
Expertise
Project Management, Design, WaterLocation
North EastMy highlights
Becoming a Fellow of the ICE in 2018
Leading a team that delivered an industry first for offsite build in the water industry
First time seeing clean wastewater effluent popping out the end of sewage treatment works that I led the design and hydraulic calculations for!
A day in your life
No two days are the same. I love my job!
I have always loved solving problems but what I love even more is finding solutions with others.
In my current role, I lead a team of professional engineers and project managers. It’s all about bringing the right people into discussions to ensure we make the best possible decisions for our clients, our business and the environment.
My love of civil engineering is still there and I do still get involved, although a large part of my role now is about enabling others to solve engineering problems.
I love my trips to construction sites and working closely with contractors to ensure the designs we develop are constructable, safe and sustainable, and that we spend the customers money wisely!
There are many ways to become a professional civil engineer. At WSP, we have as many civil engineers undertaking apprenticeships as we do degrees full time. Pick the route that suits you best. No one route is better than the other.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
I was lucky enough to have an amazing physics teacher at school who gave me the confidence and support to excel at school and also to consider a career in engineering.
My school participated in a programme led by the Royal Academy of Engineering which gave me insights into electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.
My decision to focus on civil engineering was an easy one. Not everyone is as lucky as I was to experience this which is why it is important that we share experiences through STEM activities.
We asked Michelle…
I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…
There is real job satisfaction and no two days are the same. We have a major influence on the environment around us!
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
A mother of two fabulous girls and a cold-water swimmer.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?
The pollution of our rivers and seas is an increasing concern as a result of extreme weather events.
We’re working hard in the water industry to future proof the infrastructure to be able to withstand this changing climate, using green solutions wherever possible.
How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?
In recent years I've tried to be more visible as a female role model and not shy away from the lime light, which takes me well out of my comfort zone!
I use my professional status and role at WSP to make an impact and influence men and women to be inclusive and allies to any minority group.
You can’t be what you can’t see.
What role does digital technology play in your job?
Digital delivery is part of the solution to the problems the water industry faces currently.
We are working hard to use digital technology to make us more efficient and bring better value to customers.
AI is quickly becoming a large part of how we do things.
What motivated you to become professionally qualified?
It was always something that I wanted to do from an early age, to make my family proud.
Once I started work, I also saw it as a way of being taken seriously as a woman in the industry. It was still a very male dominated environment!
But I didn’t predict that it would also give me so much more confidence to follow my ambitions and to do it my way, to be myself.
I was also very competitive and wanted to get there before my colleagues!
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
It opens up opportunities with employers and clients as it's a clear benchmark, demonstrating you have the right skills and qualifications.
Michelle's career path
- Master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Leeds
- Graduate civil engineer, North Tyneside Council
- Associate director, Amec Foster Wheeler
- Design manager, Wood
- Design director, Wood
- Municipal water director, WSP
- Head of water asset design, WSP
Major projects
I'd like to highlight the Wolsingham Sewage Treatment Works (STW), where I've led a diverse team to achieve a first in the industry of 70% offsite build.
