Expertise
Design, Construction, StructuralLocation
North WestMy highlights
Working on HS2, helping deliver major infrastructure that will be used by communities for generations
Gaining experience across design and construction, understanding how projects develop from ideas into real-world infrastructure
Being recognised for STEM outreach and mentoring through the 2026 ICE North West Rising Star Award
A day in my life
A typical day for me is spent onsite, either carrying out inspections or working from the site office.
Onsite, I review how structures are being built and check that the work aligns with the approved design, specifications and contract requirements, helping bridge the gap between design and delivery.
I identify issues early, raise them and manage defects, working with teams to resolve them before construction progresses. I also mark down my observations from inspections to maintain a clear record of what has been checked.
In the site office, I review quality records, check inspection and test plans, and ensure that all documentation, defects and non-conformances are properly recorded and addressed before handover.
It’s a mix of site-based engineering and detailed technical review, requiring judgement, problem-solving and collaboration with different teams. No two days are ever the same.
The more I learned about civil engineering, the more interested I became, especially when I started to understand how much engineering goes into things we often take for granted.
What inspired you to become a civil engineer?
I wasn’t inspired by a specific person or project at the start. Engineering wasn’t something I had much exposure to growing up.
I first came across engineering when I studied it at high school. It was something I enjoyed, so I decided to look into it on my own.
Over time, I became more and more interested in the scale and impact of the projects engineers work on and I wanted to be part of that. It's what led me to start a degree apprenticeship at 18 and begin my career in civil engineering.
We asked Mohamed…
I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because...
I would recommend a career in engineering because you can be part of creating things people use every day, even if they don’t always realise it.
I didn’t grow up knowing what engineers did and no one in my family worked in engineering. After college, I chose to start a degree apprenticeship which gave me the chance to learn about real projects while studying.
The more I learned about engineering, the more I realised how much goes on behind the scenes in everything around us, from buildings and roads to major infrastructure projects.
Now that I’m working in the industry, I’m still amazed by the scale and impact of what we build. Seeing large structures take shape and knowing you’ve played a part in it is really rewarding.
It’s a great career if you enjoy problem-solving, working as part of a team and want to make a real difference to the places where people live and work.
Complete this phrase: I'm a civil or infrastructure engineer/technician, but I'm also...
Someone who enjoys life outside of work, especially football, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Name one civil or infrastructure engineering myth you'd like to bust.
That you must follow a traditional route like university to become an engineer.
There isn’t just one way into engineering, and it can be accessible to anyone who is interested and willing to learn. Doing a degree apprenticeship is an alternative way to join the profession.
How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?
By identifying issues early and managing defects, I help reduce rework, which saves materials, energy and time.
I also review quality records to make sure works meet the required standards – supporting long-term durability.
How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?
By helping raise awareness of engineering and showing that it’s a career open to everyone.
Engineering wasn't something I was exposed to growing up, so I understand how easy it is for people to overlook it or feel like it's not for them. Because of that, I take part in STEM outreach and support young people from different backgrounds to help them see what's possible.
I also support colleagues and new starters on projects, helping build confidence and create a positive team environment.
By sharing my own journey and supporting others, I demonstrate that there isn’t just one set path into engineering and anyone can build a career in the industry – regardless of their background, ethnicity or gender.
What role does digital technology play in your job?
I always use digital systems to access design information, check documentation and record my observations from site. This helps ensure everything is clearly documented, consistent and easy to track.
It also makes communication and collaboration easier between design and site teams, ensuring projects are delivered accurately and efficiently.
What motivated you, or is motivating you, to become professionally qualified?
I want to continue developing as an engineer, take on greater responsibility and leave a positive mark on the industry.
I've already achieved EngTech with the ICE, and I'm now working towards Incorporated Engineer through my degree apprenticeship and End Point Assessment (EPA). This provides a clear and structured pathway to develop my skills and demonstrate my competence.
My aim is to progress from EngTech to IEng and eventually Chartered Engineer, continuing to learn, take on more responsibility and make a lasting impact through my work.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
Being professionally qualified with the ICE means my skills and experience are recognised against a trusted industry standard.
Achieving EngTech has helped build my confidence and credibility on projects, showing I can take responsibility for my work.
As I work towards IEng and CEng, it gives me a clear direction for my development and supports me in taking on more responsibility in my career.
How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
When I started my apprenticeship, I signed a training agreement that set out my development towards becoming professionally qualified.
My employer supports this by covering professional membership costs, providing opportunities to gain relevant experience on projects and supporting my ongoing development.
I also have a very supportive line manager and senior colleagues who guide me, share their experience and help me develop my understanding as I progress.
Through the ICE, I’ve attended events and activities as part of my continuous professional development, which has helped me build knowledge and learn from others in the industry.
How has being a member helped your career?
Being an ICE member has supported my career by giving me access to a professional network, learning opportunities and a clear development pathway.
It has provided a platform where I can submit my attributes, track my development and work towards professional qualifications.
Through ICE events and resources, I’ve been able to build my knowledge and learn from other engineers, which has supported my development alongside my experience on projects.
What's the most complex thing you've made out of Lego?
I once made a lucky cat – it took a good few hours even though it was so small!
Where do you get your engineering inspiration from?
LinkedIn pages and communities, and the NCE magazine for updates and to learn about projects all over.
Mohamed's career path
I started my career as a civil engineering degree apprentice at 18, straight after college.
Through my apprenticeship, I work full time while studying at the University of Salford, combining practical experience on real projects with academic learning.
I started in a design role and then moved into a site role to gain more experience in construction and engineering decision-making.
So far, this pathway has allowed me to gain early responsibility, develop practical skills and build my understanding of how projects are designed and delivered, and I’m continuing to learn as I progress in my career.