This time, we caught up with Jennifer Williams, Vice President, Civil Engineering, Water, in the U.S. West region to discover how she chose the path she’s on today.   

Hi Jennifer. What do you do for ArchTam? 

I’ve been with ArchTam and legacy companies for almost 30 years. I contribute to both business development and project delivery by representing ArchTam on a variety of professional societies, managing client relationships and programs, and serving technical roles on dam inspection, analysis, risk assessments, design and construction projects. After raising two daughters, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors of Colorado.

Tell us about your career journey.

I didn’t know what an engineer was until I was about 16. Back then, we didn’t have STEM classes like students do now. My older sister went to the Colorado School of Mines, an all-engineering school, and that was the first time I really learned what engineering was all about. I was inspired by what she was doing and decided to follow in her footsteps.

I began my career out of college as a staff engineer with legacy company Woodward-Clyde in Omaha, Nebraska, specializing in soft soil characterization and mitigation. Much of my early experience was hands-on — working behind a cone penetration test (CPT) or drill rig logging soils or performing construction oversight on civil earthwork projects. I also supported the senior principal, Steve Saye, on design of embankments on soft soils and research into settlement mitigation techniques. He became an early mentor, and after about three years, when I was ready to return home to Denver, he helped make that move possible.

After transferring to the Denver office (then URS), I worked as a project engineer on a broad range of geotechnical projects, including landslide mitigation, landfill design, mine tailings dams, and deep foundations. I eventually asked to be paired with John France, a senior practitioner specializing in dams, and soon joined my first dam project. From that experience, I was immediately drawn to dam engineering — the multidisciplinary nature of the work, the teamwork required to solve complex problems, and the depth of expertise within the office. I was motivated by the variety and technical challenge of each project, the range of geotechnical analyses involved, and the opportunity to collaborate closely with multiple disciplines.

After about 10 years, I transitioned into project management and business development, preparing proposals, engaging with clients and presenting at technical conferences — while continuing to contribute technically. These experiences improved my connection to clients and the broader industry, paving the way for managing larger and more complex programs.

Today, as a vice president at ArchTam, I enjoy a dynamic balance between technical work, project management and business development. I currently serve as the technical lead and project manager for the design of a new 300-foot-tall embankment dam here in Colorado. Additionally, I’m the program manager for technical engineering services for a large hydroelectric company in the Northwest, contributing to a broad range of dam-related work. Beyond that, I assist state dam safety programs in advancing their use of risk-informed decision making, including Colorado, Hawaii and New Mexico.

I’m also actively engaged with the broader dam safety community through various roles — serving on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Society on Dams, chairing the Technical Advisory Committee for the Association of Dam Safety Officials, and being the U.S. representative on the Embankment Dam Committee for the International Commission on Large Dams.

How has mentorship helped you on your path?

Your career path is often shaped, if not defined, by the strengths of the teams and individuals you work with. I’ve had the great fortune to work with a few very impactful mentors — John France, Dick Davidson, and Steve Saye to name a few — who played crucial roles in my career. Their openness in sharing knowledge and their passion for excellence really inspired me and helped me grow. What stood out most was their direct candor; they gave me honest feedback that accelerated my learning curve. They also trusted me by giving responsibility while always having my back — checking my work and redirecting me when needed. That balance of support and challenge really helped propel my career forward and taught me the value of strong mentorship.

What’s something you wish someone told you years ago?

Something I wish I’d learned earlier in my career is the value of seeking out diverse perspectives and learning from peers and senior practitioners alike. Never hesitate to ask questions or seek advice — no matter your level of experience. Collaboration and curiosity lead to better solutions, and there’s no shame in not having all the answers; in fact, some of the best ideas come from simply asking for input.

What advice do you have for women who want to get into dams or another traditionally male-dominated industry?

My advice to women interested in entering the dam industry, or any traditionally male-dominated field, is to not define yourself by the gender balance around you. Seek out mentors, both male and female, who support your growth and push you to take on challenges. Be confident in your skills, stay curious and keep learning. Earn respect through a strong work ethic, technical excellence, and an open, collaborative attitude. The industry needs diverse voices and approaches, especially in engineering fields where collaboration, innovation and problem solving are essential.

If not this path, what would have been your career plan B?

If I hadn’t pursued engineering, I think I would have explored a career in the medical field. I’ve always been drawn to problem solving and helping people, and medicine offers a unique way to do both in a very direct and meaningful way. Whether it was becoming a nurse, a physical therapist, or working in medical research, the idea of contributing to people’s health and wellbeing really appealed to me.

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Sarah Falconer has over 25 years of experience in the environment field, specializing in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and consenting for large complex infrastructure projects. Sarah is passionate about net zero and working with our clients to help them achieve their decarbonization goals. Sarah is responsible for growth within the Energy sector across our Environment and Sustainability range of services. She leads complex energy consenting/EIA projects and develops long term client relationships.

What inspired you to join the industry?

Upon graduating, I embarked on a career in environmental consulting, where I quickly encountered a diverse array of projects and gained a wealth of experiences that the field has to offer. It was this diversity, along with working in partnership with our clients to help them to solve challenging problems, that I found so motivating, and still do. It is a pleasure to help clients to navigate their way through complex and evolving planning processes as well as finding innovative solutions to environmental impacts that result from new infrastructure projects. No two projects are ever the same, and there has never been a more exciting time to work in energy. The urgency and scale of the energy transition make this moment truly transformative.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

I recently led two consenting projects for new hydrogen power development projects. It’s been exciting to see new technologies moving into mainstream developments. Any novel technologies always pose new and challenging consenting risks that need to be considered fully to give regulators and stakeholders comfort and buy in to the projects and this was no exception on these projects. As Project Director, I took ultimate responsibility for delivering to client satisfaction and ensuring that as a project team we met all regulatory requirements. It has been really satisfying to see both projects successfully progress through the consenting process and to receive positive client feedback on our collaborative working.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Engaging with the local community is a critical aspect of any proposed new development. One of the rewarding parts of my role is working with ArchTam and clients to identify opportunities for creating value for communities within new proposed developments. This could include bringing local small and medium enterprises onto the project team, using our ArchTam volunteering days to support local initiatives, and supporting STEM training through local schools and bringing apprenticeships into the team. For example, we have recently been commissioned to deliver three large onshore wind farms for a renewable energy developer and as part of our submission we were proud to establish ten social value commitments which we will implement as the projects progress. These include the use of local supply chain, engagement with schools, colleges and universities, provision of support to local community energy groups and prioritizing local delivery.

Share a piece of career advice.

Be open and try to take every opportunity offered to you, even if it doesn’t seem like the obvious career step. We all learn from new experiences giving us the confidence to develop individual skills and careers further. Often, it is the unexpected opportunities that lead to the greatest rewards.

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Demonstrating skills

Participating in the event was an incredible experience. I felt immensely grateful to be invited and to represent ArchTam among other esteemed companies. At the Skills and Apprenticeship Fair, I shared details with other apprentices on our nuclear and digital capabilities. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase ArchTam’s expertise in the sector to the MPs, senior civil servants, CEOs of companies and other senior figures, emphasizing our involvement of over 50 years. Our multidisciplinary approach to engineering, covering electrical, civil, mechanical, and structural disciplines, was well-represented by NextGen attendees, referring to the younger generation of engineers and recent graduates, across all engineering fields.

Meeting my local MP

One of the highlights for me was when my MP, Andrew Cooper, actively sought me out and engaged in a meaningful conversation. It was a moment that truly underscored the significance of the event and the impact of our work.

Andrew and I discussed my journey into the nuclear industry. Coming from a domestic electrical background, I started as a trainee electrician, eager to find a career that would expand my skills and knowledge in an exciting design practice. It was through this search that I discovered the opportunities in the nuclear field which immediately stood out to me.

During our conversation, I shared with Andrew that many young people, including myself, don’t initially consider a career in the nuclear industry. However, it is a valuable and rewarding path with numerous opportunities. We discussed ways to spread this message more widely, emphasizing that the nuclear sector offers high-quality training and transferable skills that are applicable across various projects and industries. It’s a career path accessible to many, and it is crucial to highlight its significant growth potential.

Importance of engagement with MPs

Early engagement with MPs during events like this held in Parliament is crucial for apprentices as it showcases how apprenticeships are set up, how they can help bridge the skills gap in various sectors such as nuclear, and the benefits and opportunities given to the apprentices from day one of their career. This is particularly important given the Labour government’s focus on reforming the apprenticeship levy by replacing it with a new and more flexible ‘Growth and Skills Levy’.

Attending such events allows apprentices like me to showcase our direct contribution to projects and gain valuable insights from influential figures. MPs represent the people they serve, and it’s fascinating to hear their perspectives and excitement about developments like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as shared by Andrew. Promoting the nuclear industry is not just about the technology but also about the career opportunities it offers to new engineers. The industry’s evolving nature and unique projects reflect a societal shift in attitudes towards nuclear energy.

Preparation and support

My apprenticeship with ArchTam has prepared me well for attending events and speaking about my experiences to date. Visiting Parliament for the first time was overwhelming, but the support and briefing provided by ArchTam leaders and colleagues made a significant difference. Embracing opportunities and putting myself out there has been key to building my confidence at the event. This advice has been instrumental in my growth and development, and I plan to carry it forward in my career.

Message to the next generation

To aspiring engineers considering an apprenticeship in the nuclear industry, I would say that while it might seem niche on first glance, the skills you gain are highly transferable. The reach and potential of a career in nuclear are immense and rare. It’s a great career path with numerous opportunities for learning and development. The learning environment in the nuclear industry is not always widely known, which is why it’s beneficial to get involved and explore its potential.

Memorable takeaways

One of the most memorable moments from the event was being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share enthusiasm for the future of the nuclear sector. Engaging with senior managers, seasoned industry professionals from other countries, and fellow apprentices has helped me gain a clearer direction for my career aspirations. It reinforced my belief in the industry’s potential and provided a sense of direction for what I can achieve in the future.

Overall, participating in the Nuclear Week in Parliament and the Skills and Apprenticeship Fair has been a transformative experience, shaping my career aspirations and reinforcing my commitment to the nuclear industry.

The post Building careers in nuclear: Insights from the UK Nuclear Week in Parliament 2025 appeared first on Blog.

Georgie Bambridge joined ArchTam in 2022 as a graduate engineer working in the nuclear sector. As a structural engineer, she has experience working on a major nuclear energy project and on asset care projects on a nuclear energy site.

What inspired you to join the industry?

I was inspired to join the nuclear industry due to the unique combination of technical challenges, responsibility, and impact on the future of energy. From an early age, I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, and I knew the best way to achieve this was through a job I loved. I chose to study structural engineering because of my passion for solving complex problems and applying the mathematical and mechanical principles I learned throughout my education to my project work every day.

 The nuclear industry is the perfect field for me to channel my passion for structural engineering and make a meaningful impact. The challenge of constructing safe, durable, and precise structures, combined with the significant benefits of clean energy, inspires me. I am driven by a commitment to technical excellence and environmental responsibility, making this career path truly fulfilling.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favourite projects at ArchTam has been working on a nuclear new build facility — an ambitious and highly significant project. ArchTam serves as the lead designer, with a multi-disciplinary team based in the Warrington office. The team’s close collaboration between disciplines — architecture, civil & structural, mechanical, electrical, building services, and project management — ensures seamless coordination and effective problem-solving.

On this project, I had the opportunity to design a seismically qualified portal frame building. This involved designing the structure to maintain stability and integrity under seismic forces, specifically engineering it to resist earthquake-induced loads and deformations. Seismic design is complex provided the unpredictable, dynamic forces applied to the structure, unlike static loads such as gravity and wind. Seismic forces can cause buildings to sway and deform in different directions requiring a deeper understanding of structural dynamics. This design was particularly rewarding given the complexity involved. Through this experience, I developed a strong understanding of seismic structures and how seismic loads are distributed throughout a building.

Nuclear projects require extended timelines due to stringent regulatory requirements, intricate engineering challenges, and high safety and quality standards. This project has a timeline of over 10 years and being part of such a complex and impactful endeavour has been deeply fulfilling.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I’ve had the privilege of working on nuclear waste management and asset care projects, contributing to legacy cleanup. These efforts play a vital role in creating a cleaner, safer site for future generations, with a positive impact on the local communities. The projects I’ve been involved in have successfully reduced risks, prevented further contamination, and made incremental progress toward the long-term cleanup goals.

This work is profoundly rewarding, as it allows me to contribute to both environmental preservation and public health protection. By restoring contaminated land, air, and water, we’re safeguarding ecosystems and reducing radiation risks for surrounding communities. The challenges are both technical and intellectual, requiring the use of dynamic thinking and close collaboration across disciplines. Ultimately, there’s a deep sense of fulfilment in tackling the lasting impacts of nuclear activities, knowing that our efforts are making a tangible difference in securing a safer future for generations to come.

Share a piece of career advice.

Every project and role presents a fresh challenge and requires a new way of thinking. It’s important to remain open to learning and growth at every stage of your career. Pursue work that you enjoy and remember that with the dynamic nature of the industry, there are countless opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new — it’s often where the greatest personal and professional growth happens.

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This time, we caught up with Katie Scancarello, a senior geotechnical engineer from our Water business in the U.S. East region, to learn how she chose the path she’s on today.

Hi Katie. What do you do for ArchTam?

I am a senior geotechnical engineer in Providence, Rhode Island and have been with ArchTam for 14 years.

Tell us about your journey and how you got here.

I initially went to college for computer engineering but transitioned to civil engineering because it gave me the opportunity to work in the field. During my junior year, I did a co-op at NASA Glenn Research Center where I conducted research on lunar soil simulants and performed experiments in reduced gravity – this experience led to my passion for geotechnical engineering.

After getting my bachelor’s degree, I then pursued my master’s in geotechnical engineering while working part-time at URS in Cleveland, Ohio. I transitioned to full time after graduating and worked there for three years. I was integral in major projects for Tennessee Valley Authority and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

During my second year there, I was placed on a major design build project in Cleveland where I learned how to communicate with non-geotechnical disciplines. It was trial by fire under a tight schedule which gave me the opportunity to expand my technical baseline. I was given significant responsibility which enabled my quick growth in design team management.

In a lateral move, I relocated to Rhode Island to discover a new part of the country. I still reported to the Cleveland URS office, which was acquired by ArchTam during this time. I helped establish an ArchTam geotechnical presence in the Northeast.

I was then promoted to geotechnical engineer. I served as deputy geotechnical lead on the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s largest design build at the time–the Route 6 and Route 10 Interchange Reconstruction project. I supported the geotechnical lead in managing the geotechnical investigation and design for the project.

Currently, I’m a senior geotechnical engineer where I manage the evaluation of underground conditions to provide design recommendations for building and bridge foundations, dams, tunnels, slopes, underground utilities, and retaining walls. Most recently, I was a project geotechnical engineer on the Narragansett Bay Commission Phase IIIA CSO Tunnel (Pawtucket Tunnel) design.

What was a career defining moment for you?

When I was still a junior engineer, my supervisor, who was the geotechnical lead on our large design build project, went on paternity leave. I was put as the point person for the project. When the prime contractor had geotechnical questions, they called me. It was both intimidating and a confidence boost to know that important team members trusted me to make decisions.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Someone once told me that I speak softer when I’m uncertain of the answer I’m giving and that I should speak up to imbue confidence. That advice was hard to hear, but significantly helped me to build confidence in myself.

What advice do you have for women who want to get into tunneling or another traditionally male-dominated industry?

Be yourself and get in there. I heard a lot of negative stories about how men treat women in the construction industry before I joined but I have not experienced the micro and macro aggressions that I was warned against. Don’t listen to the negative messages. Our industry is receptive and supportive of women. Men can be great sponsors/mentors and there are women-focused groups for every field which provide a ton of resources and support.

If not this path, then what would have been your Career plan B?

I would have been an equestrian trainer for hunter/jumpers on a farm in Oregon.

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This time, we caught up with Amanda Foote, project engineer from our Water business in U.S. West region, to learn how she chose the path she’s on today.

Hi Amanda. What do you do for ArchTam? 

I am a project engineer and project manager on several projects and have been with ArchTam for 13 years. I have been happily married for 12 years and have two kids, ages eight and three.

Tell us about your journey and how you got here. 

After graduating college, I started working at ArchTam in Akron, Ohio on the City of Akron’s combined sewer overflow (CSO) program. After about a year, Dave Mast, a vice president in the Water business line, pulled me onto his team to prepare the preliminary engineering report for the City of Akron’s first tunnel – the Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel – which was an amazing experience and my introduction to tunneling. 

Prior to that experience, I did not have a lot of exposure to trenchless construction, so Dave took the time to explain every aspect of what goes into alignment selection, tunnel boring machine selection, and other factors that drive a tunneling project. I used this opportunity to absorb as much information as I could and really enjoyed learning about the tunneling world. 

Following completion of the Akron tunnel project, I was promoted to project engineer and worked on more projects on Dave’s team for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. I did design for large tunnel and smaller trenchless design work, including the Dugway South Relief and Consolidation Sewer project, the Doan Valley Relief and Consolidation Sewer project and the Kingsbury Run Culvert Repair projects.

With each project, I learn more and more about the industry. As my mentor, Dave includes me on meetings with technical staff, not just because I can add to the discussion, but so I can listen and learn. I’m grateful for all the guidance he has provided in the last 12 years.

While my official title is currently project engineer, I’ve performed a range of roles on various projects. I was the project manager for the O’Hare TP-36 Stormwater Tunnel project, providing an alternate design to the contractor per their means and methods. Most recently, I was the design engineer and deputy project manager for the City of Akron Northside Interceptor Tunnel (NSIT) project. Although the NSIT project was a fast-paced and sometimes stressful design, my previous project experience enabled me to make a true impact.

I have come to truly love tunneling work and am eager to continue to learn from all the experts here at ArchTam.

What was a career defining moment that stands out for you?

My involvement on the NSIT project, which was completed in 14 months. In addition to my project contributions, I had a great relationship with the client and was able to add value and develop that relationship even more.

What advice do you have for women who want to get into tunneling or another traditionally male-dominated industry?

Don’t be afraid to get dirty. Ask questions. Ask for what you want. It’s ok to not know everything. If you are not sure, ask! Chances are someone else has the same question. If there is something you want to get involved in or see, ask.

What’s the best part of your job?

Seeing the full evolution of the projects I am working on. I have seen several projects through from design to bidding to construction, and even walked inside a tunnel I helped design to perform the final inspection.

If not this path, then what would have been your Career plan B?

I would probably be doing smaller stormwater or water projects for the Cleveland office.

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This time, we caught up with Kate Mignone, associate vice president, New England water resources market sector lead, to learn how she chose the path she’s on today.

 Hi Kate. What do you do for ArchTam? 

I’ve been with ArchTam for 19 years and currently contribute across a range of roles. I am project manager on combined sewer overflow (CSO) and tunnel projects, project director on stormwater, resiliency and conveyance projects and the market sector lead for water resources in New England. I live in New Hampshire with my husband, two kids, a cat, two fish and eight chickens.

Tell us about your journey and how you got here. 

My first role out of college was staff engineer for VHB on the site development team. However, I aspired to help the environment and communities, not to develop land for office buildings and malls. I then joined Dufresne-Henry and worked for five years as a staff engineer on stormwater and sewer models and CSO programs. 

In 2005, I joined ArchTam via Metcalf and Eddy as a project engineer. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay in engineering. I pursued my master’s degree in business administration in college and always had an interest in the business side of things, but guidance from my mentor in the CSO field and being exposed to many different projects helped me decide to stay in engineering and continue to develop my modelling skills.

In 2012, I was promoted to project manager and asked if I wanted to help on a small project to oversee hydraulics modelling. I said yes and that small tunneling project, the South Hartford tunnel, turned out to be the catalyst for many future tunneling projects. I learned so much about tunnel sizing, surge and other technical considerations for tunnels and consolidation conduits.

After my portion of the South Hartford Tunnel finished in 2014/2015, I continued working on different CSO projects and helped to grow our presence with several projects in Maine. I managed a couple of my own projects for Hartford Metropolitan District (MDC). I continued supporting stormwater projects and designs for Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Rhode Island Department of Transportation and at one point even managed stormwater projects for Water, Transportation and Environment business lines. 

I also got more involved in business development and marketing. I helped with the Hartford MDC one-time on-call proposal and found I enjoyed working on marketing pursuits.

In my current role, I’ve enjoyed using my MBA and focusing on strategic client growth opportunities as well as continuing to manage additional tunnel projects. Looking back, I did not expect one tunnel project in 2012 would lead to these additional opportunities years later. I didn’t go into my career choosing to tunnel, tunnelling found me.

What was a career defining moment for you?

I was relatively shy and reserved until college. During college, I made an effort to be more outgoing.  Now I embrace that I am an ambivert. It is the best of both worlds and really reflects both aspects of my extroverted side as well as my introverted time.

Tell us about any learning opportunities or development programs that helped you grow.

In 2021, I was asked to participate in the LIFT program — an internal ArchTam leadership program, which is now called Elevate — where I attended seminars with other ArchTam leaders and had career coaching. This coaching gave me the confidence to ask to be a market sector lead for water resources. 

What was one of your proudest moments?

I really loved math and science growing up, so as part of one of my high school Girl Scout projects, I helped set up my town’s recycling program. That experience helped me realize I wanted to incorporate my love for the environment into my civil engineering career.

If not this path, then what would have been your Career plan B?
This is a topic we discuss often at my house. My husband is creative and has so many ideas. Me on the other hand, not as much. I could see myself getting into a business combining yoga and baking!

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This time, we connected with Kelly Young, lead bridge engineer based in South Carolina, to learn how she progressed in the technical excellence career path.

Hi Kelly. What do you do for ArchTam? 

As the lead bridge engineer for South Carolina, I’m currently working on exciting innovations in bridge design, including high fidelity 3D bridge models. I have been with ArchTam for 13 years and I live in Greenville, South Carolina, with my husband, two children and our dog.

Tell us about your journey and how you got here. 

I began my career as a bridge inspector for ArchTam in Atlanta after graduating from Georgia Institute of Technology. I spent one year doing bridge inspections, gaining hands-on experience, learning about bridge elements and the different types of failures and deterioration.

My first major milestone was completing my first full bridge design. This project was a key initial step in moving from inspector to engineer. I was the youngest engineer in the group, tasked with designing and planning production for the bridge. The project had a tight deadline, so I had to learn quickly and work efficiently. We submitted the final design and plans on time, and I saw my first bridge design being built just a few months later. That was my first big step to becoming a bridge engineer.

I also found a great mentor in Chris Johnson, my manager in Atlanta. He guided me through my career not only technically, but also with balancing work and home life.

With a growing interest in design, I took on the role of engineer. That’s when my foot stepped on the gas — my technical career took off and has not slowed down since. I focused on bridge repair, working on everything from minor joint replacement and spall repairs to deck replacements, strengthening methods for structural components and developing numerous hydraulic bridge-jacking designs.

Working on a variety of project types greatly expanded my technical knowledge in the bridge design field. I also had the opportunity to manage smaller tasks and test my knowledge by teaching junior staff.

Then, my husband and I relocated to South Carolina, and after 10 years of being in a bridge engineering support role, I became the lead bridge engineer in South Carolina. My role shifted from a singular focus on production to leading tasks and signing and sealing plans. This experience created an opportunity to innovate the bridge design process and push our current capabilities forward.

What was a career defining moment for you?

My career defining moment is currently in the making. I’m working with a team to create a high fidelity 3D bridge model per specific client standards. Once complete, this model will be fully adaptable to any project location based on the most used bridge elements, drastically reducing the time it takes for the layout, detailing and potential rework of the bridge.

Computational design and parametric modelling have the potential to spark a major shift in transportation services. We have the chance to raise the current standard and pave the way for a new era of bridge design.

What’s something you wish someone told you years ago?

Don’t be afraid to ask. Not just about needing help with a problem you can’t solve or where to find resources, but with bigger things as well. If you want to try something new within the scope of ArchTam, ask. You don’t have to do just one type of work. ArchTam offers a whole world of opportunity.

If not this path, what would have been your career plan B?

I would be a softball coach. I still get the opportunity to take my daughter to Georgia Tech softball games and watch my former teammate coach, but if I wasn’t an engineer, I’d be out there too.  Go Jackets!

The post Career Path Spotlight: Kelly Young appeared first on Blog.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I), our early careers development programme, ADVANCE, is a two-year blended learning opportunity promoting collaboration across all our markets, ensuring that our apprentices network with and learn from each other.

This year, we welcomed over 300 graduates and apprentices into 70 different disciplines, expanding our reach across nearly every UK office. Each early career professional will embark on a structured two-year training programme designed to cultivate their skills and prepare them for pivotal roles in the future.  

Our latest cohort of graduates and apprentices brings expertise across all industries and sectors. From water engineers to energy and sustainability experts, our early careers professionals are integral to our Environment, Water, and Energy, Transportation, and Buildings and Places businesses. They are the future leaders of ArchTam. 

In recent weeks, this year’s group attended the ADVANCE early careers inductions in Birmingham.  These sessions are pivotal for integrating our early careers professionals, providing them with comprehensive training and development, and equipping them with essential knowledge and skills through in-person sessions, interactive activities, and our online curriculum via ArchTam University.

Our graduates have commented on how they have enjoyed contributing to technical projects that have an impact on both communities and the environment. Additionally, our Freedom to Grow framework was well received as it offers our employees flexibility in determining their work schedules and locations, promoting well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

We’re committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the industry, empowering them to make a meaningful impact on the world. Join us as we continue to innovate and drive positive change.

But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what one our graduates shared:

“The insights gained from the ADVANCE training will greatly impact my career growth. It was a memorable experience, and I’m excited about my future with ArchTam.”

Federico Soto, Graduate Structural Engineer, Europe, UK&I

Learn more: UK & Ireland Graduate Careers (aecom.com)

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This time, we connected with Toby Uppington, senior vice president and global energy/hydrogen markets lead, to discover how he chose the path he’s on today.    

Hi Toby. What do you do for ArchTam? 

I am in my 21st year with ArchTam and currently leading our push into the emerging hydrogen economy. I also look after our client account management relationship with our largest private sector client – Shell. After travelling the world and living on three different continents, I have settled in London where I continue to hone my skills in various international BBQ styles with my wife and children.

Tell us about your journey and how you got here. 

I started my professional career keen to deploy the academic skills I learned as a geographer and hydrologist. This led me to opportunities in groundwater and contaminated land clean-up, and diverse projects including the construction of one of the UK’s largest CCGT Power Stations, Seabank 1, with Golder Associates as a contaminated land hydrogeologist. This gave me a taste for major infrastructure projects. 

After a few years, I took a break from Golder when I was sponsored by Shell to do a master’s program at Imperial College. I moved to Northern Canada where I helped develop innovative remediation technologies and directional drilling techniques. After that, I returned to Golder as a senior environmental scientist and took advantage of their employee development program. I transferred to Melbourne, Australia, where I continued to expand my direct client management skills and invested in adopting a suite of digital technologies to change the way our services were performed. 

After completing the program, I returned to the UK and continued to expand my professional skills with Golder, before joining URS to become the operational leader for the Environment team in Wimbledon and the oil and gas market sector lead in Europe. These roles taught me the complexity of bidding on major projects and managing diverse teams of people. 

I was then asked to join the Strategy and Growth team where my first task was to develop the Corporate Client Account Management Program and work-winning best practices. I also developed URS’ growth strategy for Europe, Africa and India. When URS transitioned into ArchTam, I helped lead the integration of the two diverse delivery teams with a specific focus on assessing market opportunities and functional strategy for all business lines in the region. One of the most interesting initiatives I championed was the development of ArchTam’s advancement into modern methods of construction by setting up a modular housing business in the UK in partnership with a major architect. This role allowed me to fully understand the Buildings + Places business and integration of all our professional design procurement and construction services for a product rather than professional services market.

Following the success of those projects, I was then asked to consider how ArchTam could reposition itself in the energy market in line with our Sustainable Legacies strategy. As the senior vice president and global energy/hydrogen markets lead, I focus on implementing one of the four core initiatives of our growth strategy in the energy sector, specifically in positioning ArchTam for the emerging hydrogen economy that is changing the way many of our clients consider their energy decarbonization options. 

I was also keen to maintain direct connection to external customers and work-winning, so as a dual responsibility, I took on the client account manager role for Shell – a customer I have continuously worked with for most of my career. 

What is the best part of your job? 

I never know what my inbox will bring me in the morning, and I continue to be excited and surprised by the next challenge that awaits – be it reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure or a request to present to school children on what net zero means to them in practice. 

What has been your proudest moment? 

Of all the things I’ve been involved in, developing a modular housing product that tenants now live in that are located across the UK amazes me to this day. It was definitely the hardest thing to bring together! 

If not this path, what would have been your career plan B? 

Forestry – I was offered the chance to live in the Amazon for a couple of years when I was leaving university. Maybe that was something I should have told the younger me: Don’t be afraid! 

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