‘Being part of the construction of something old and new is an honour’
Kayla Browne, 23, is an apprentice civil engineer at BAM Nuttall Ltd. Having already attained a level 5 higher national diploma (HND) in construction and the built environment, and a level 5 national vocation qualification (NVQ) in construction management (sustainability). Kayla wanted to continue to attain a level 6 qualification BSc in civil engineering site management at Leeds College of Building.
What inspired you to become a civil engineer?
My dad, who’s got an engineering background, inspired me to take the apprenticeship route and become an engineer. When I was little, I would always follow him around the house and at work, wanting to help with little DIY tasks. For example, wiring and installing lights. Then, during work experience on the London Bridge Station Redevelopment project, seeing a finished station on one side while the other side was being stripped out to be constructed, I thought ‘this industry is for me’. Being part of the construction of something old and new is an honour.
Why civil engineering?
Being onsite and ready for the challenges the day has to offer.
Also, knowing that each day can be very different to the day before is exciting.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
Projects that I can see on a day-to-day basis and reminisce.
It’d also be amazing to work on bridges and skyscrapers. For example, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Burj Khalifa or the Marina Bay Sands Tower in Singapore.
My next project will be HS2, a massive project that comes with new engineering skills different to those I currently have. It’s something I’ll be able to look back on with pride many years later.
What does a day at work look like for you?
This is a day in my life working on the Thames Tideway Tunnel:
I wake