Ellie Carter

Civil engineering degree apprentice, AtkinsRéalis

Expertise

Design, Water

Location

United Kingdom

My highlights

NCE Degree Apprentice of the Year Award 2023

NCE Outstanding Contribution to Carbon Net Zero Award 2023

ICE Technician QUEST Scholarship 2024

A day in my life

A typical day for me is made up of problem solving, teamworking and research.

I start my day by setting out my tasks and prioritising them. My main tasks include:

Completing design calculations
Researching design ideas
Producing engineering designs
Report writing
Presentations
Attending meetings

Engineers have a huge influence on the world around us.

Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?

I didn’t have a particular project or person that inspired me to become a civil engineer. I enjoyed maths and physics at school and discovered civil engineering that way.

We asked Ellie…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

Engineers have a huge influence on the world around us and there are so many different paths you could go down in civil engineering.

What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?

I haven’t made anything out of Lego, but I did make a model Parthenon in school from cardboard which took me weeks to complete.

Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…

I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also a keen rugby player and enjoy travelling the world.

What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?

I know that the work I do will impact projects and people.

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 more you can explore that goes beyond civil engineering, including sustainability and digital technology.

Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?

I would’ve loved to work on some of the iconic structures in Paris like the Eiffel Tower. I think the current reconstruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral would be a really interesting project to work on.

Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.

That civil engineering is all about buildings and bridges – there are so many pathways to explore!

What motivated you, or is motivating you, to become professionally qualified? 

I want to lead major projects, and becoming professionally qualified with the ICE gives you that recognition for your commitment and technical ability.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

As an ICE member, you have access to events and resources to progress your career and meet likeminded people in the industry.

How has being a member helped your career? 

By following an ICE training agreement, as an ICE member, I have direction throughout my apprenticeship which helps me set useful goals to progress as an engineer.