Yoosuf Khan
Civil engineering degree apprentice, National Highways
Expertise
Construction, Design, Project ManagementLocation
Yorkshire & HumberMy highlights
Working on the A1 Birtley to Coal House and the A66 Northern Trans–Pennine projects
Inspiring the next generaion as a STEM ambassador
Studying at Coventry University to achieve my degree in civil engineering
A day in my life
I like to start my day early, waking up at 5am to pray and follow my morning routine, which helps me feel focused.
I aim to be logged on by 7am, ready to tackle the day. What I love about civil engineering is that no two days are the same.
Some days, I work with contractors to ensure projects have clear goals. Other days, I review designs, complete calculations, or contribute to reports like health and safety registers.
I also enjoy visiting sites to see how our plans come to life, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
The variety of tasks and my supportive team make every day rewarding. I’m proud to play a role in projects that improve infrastructure and make a difference to people’s lives.
Since finding civil engineering, I’ve discovered that it's a career that’s open to all, regardless of your background.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
A project that truly inspired me to become a civil engineer was Barra Olympic Park.
Not only was it used as a venue for the Rio 2016 Games, but it was a space that brought families and communities together while being part of history.
After seeing the impact infrastructure projects could have on society, I knew that civil engineering was a career where I'd get the chance to make that difference!
We asked Yoosuf…
I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…
You’re part of the future. No matter what side of civil engineering you work in, you can always have a positive impact.
The work you carry out can benefit generations to come, it’s all about making that difference.
What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?
The fact that I get to be part of the future and make a difference. The work I do improves the lives of those around me and that is meaningful to me!
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also …
A boxer. Before coming into the world of civil engineering I used to compete for Wales, and I’m three-time Welsh champion! I love to destress by hitting the bag.
What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
How much project management is involved.
It’s not just about designing structures or being onsite, it’s about coordinating with different teams, managing budgets and timelines, and ensuring everyone is working towards the same goal.
Being a successful engineer means balancing technical skills with strong communication and leadership.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s been around for almost a hundred years, making people’s lives easier in terms of transportation.
That’s what civil engineering is about, making that difference!
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
One myth I’d like to bust is that civil engineering is all about being onsite.
While sitework is an important aspect, there’s so much more to it.
Civil engineering involves design, analysis, project management, problem-solving, and collaboration with specialists in areas such as environmental or geotechnical engineering.
It’s a diverse field with opportunities to work in the office, onsite, or a mix of both, depending on the project.
Has civil engineering helped you overcome any personal hurdles/difficulties?
When I was younger, I held a lot of self-doubt around my future.
I believed that an individual like me from a diverse background did not belong in a STEM career.
However, since finding civil engineering, I’ve discovered that it's a career that’s open to all, regardless of your background.
Since starting my apprenticeship, I have become a much more confident and sociable individual!
I talk about this in more detail in my blog on the ICE website.
What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?
When I was younger, I had a Lego Star Wars set, I built the Millennium Falcon in under four hours!
Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies
During my free time I love to wind down and play online games or go to the gym!
Yoosuf's career path
Prior to my degree apprenticeship at National Highways, I studied to complete my A-levels in physics, sociology, and design and technology.
As part of my apprenticeship, I attend Coventry University once a month for one week, learning the theoretical side of civil engineering.
