Paige Barrett
Apprentice project manager, Arcadis
Expertise
Design, Project ManagementLocation
WalesMy highlights
Being part of the A465 Section 2 project, costing £300 million
Being part of the Sections 5 and 6 A465 project, costing £1.2 billion
Being part of the Taff Fawr Viaduct project team
What would you say to anyone considering a civil engineering apprenticeship?
Do it, it’s by far the best decision I’ve made.
Being an apprentice allows you to be able to work alongside individuals who have experience within the industry and have worked on some major projects.
They are always willing to help and offer support, so learn from your peers and ask plenty of questions, as no question is a stupid question.
Take every opportunity that is presented to you, be present onsite to learn and visually experience the site developing.
Take every opportunity that is presented to you.
I chose to do an apprenticeship because…
It gave me an opportunity to restart my academics and start a path to what I wanted to achieve within a professional career.
We asked Paige…
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineering apprentice, but I’m also...
A mother.
What about being a civil engineer apprentice gets you out of bed each morning?
That no day is the same. Everyday, there's something new to learn through your studies or in the workplace.
What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
The intricacies of how structures are designed and built.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
That it's purely for men and you only wear dirty boots.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
I wish I had the opportunity to work on the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.
Has civil engineering helped you overcome any personal hurdles/difficulties?
Yes, being able to present in front of people, helping me to work on my confidence and talking about my work and myself.
What motivated you to become a professionally qualified Engineering Technician with ICE?
Being incorporated with a recognised body, in a professional environment, and being able to network and learn from them.
What does / will EngTech MICE / IEng MICE status mean for your career?
It enables me to progress within my career and work alongside peers on intricate projects.
What advice would you give someone considering becoming EngTech MICE / IEng MICE?
Log everything and keep on top of your CPD.
