National Careers Week 2025
AG Wilson are committed to supporting the next generation of engineers and promoting greater diversity within the construction industry. As part of National Careers Week, we're proud to spotlight the experiences of our Civil Engineering Placement Student, Rebecca Pinkerton, who has been making a valuable contribution to the Carlingford Lough Greenway Project.
Throughout her placement, Rebecca has gained hands-on experience in both technical engineering tasks and site management responsibilities, including surveying works, environmental monitoring and health & safety coordination.
Read our Q&A with Rebecca to learn more about her journey so far, the skills she's developed, and her advice for others considering a career in civil engineering.
What does a typical day look like for you during your industrial placement at AG Wilson?
A typical day begins with signing in all personnel on-site and ensuring that everyone is briefed and has signed off on the day's planned activities. I assist the site engineer in setting up levels using a dumpy and laser level for pile cutting, and where possible, I use the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to mark out pile locations for the substructure's galvanised steel framework. As a certified Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), I monitor for marine mammals, particularly seals, before piling begins to prevent disturbance. I ensure that the slow start procedure is followed in compliance with regulations. Throughout the day, I record the number of piles installed and their embedment depth. Additionally, I conduct toolbox talks to promote safety awareness and actively observe and report any safety observations on-site to maintain a secure working environment.
How has your placement helped you apply what you’ve learned in university to real-world projects?
My placement has allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Concepts I studied at university have become much clearer through hands-on experience. For instance, I have applied my understanding of leveling techniques using dumpy and laser levels to accurately set up site measurements. Beyond technical skills, I have gained valuable experience in project coordination, risk management, and environmental considerations, such as marine mammal observation during piling activities. This has deepened my appreciation for regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility in construction. Overall, my placement has enhanced my problem-solving abilities and given me a real-world perspective on how engineering principles are implemented in large-scale projects.
What has been the most exciting or challenging project you've worked on so far?
The Carlingford Lough Greenway project has been both the most exciting and challenging project I’ve worked on so far. When I first arrived on-site, I had never seen piling works before and found it difficult to visualise how everything would come together. However, as the project progressed, I gained a deeper understanding of the process, and seeing the structure take shape has been incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest challenges has been managing environmental considerations. As a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), I’ve had to ensure that piling activities do not disturb seals in the area. This has required strict adherence to protocols, including slow-start procedures and halting work when marine life is present. While these measures can impact scheduling, they have given me a greater appreciation for the balance between construction progress and environmental responsibility. Overall, this project has significantly enhanced my technical and problem-solving skills while also broadening my perspective on how large-scale infrastructure projects come together. Now, as we near completion, it’s exciting to see all the planning, hard work, and collaboration come to life.
How has this experience shaped your career aspirations in engineering and management?
This experience has reinforced my passion for engineering and given me a clearer vision of the career path I want to pursue. Being involved in both the technical and managerial aspects of projects has shown me the importance of strong leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability in the construction industry. I’ve gained firsthand experience in site coordination, environmental management, and health and safety compliance—key areas that I now see as crucial to delivering successful projects. The challenges I’ve faced, from ensuring accurate site measurements to managing piling delays due to marine mammal activity, have highlighted the need for strategic planning and effective communication. These experiences have sparked my interest in project management, and I can see myself taking on leadership roles in the future, overseeing engineering projects from start to finish. Overall, this placement has given me confidence in my abilities and a deeper appreciation for the real-world application of engineering principles. It has motivated me to continue developing both my technical expertise and management skills as I work toward a career in the construction and infrastructure sector.
What advice would you give to students considering a placement in civil engineering?
My biggest advice to students considering a civil engineering placement is to embrace every opportunity to learn. University provides a strong theoretical foundation, but nothing compares to seeing how engineering concepts are applied in real-world projects. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as site engineers, supervisors, and contractors have a wealth of knowledge and are happy to share their experience. Be prepared for challenges, whether it’s dealing with unpredictable site conditions, managing time-sensitive tasks, or adapting to environmental regulations like I experienced with marine mammal observation. Problem-solving and flexibility are key skills in this industry. Also, make the most of every hands-on opportunity. Whether it’s using surveying equipment, assisting with site management, or delivering toolbox talks, getting involved in different aspects of the project will give you a well-rounded experience and help shape your career path. Finally, develop good communication and teamwork skills. Civil engineering is all about collaboration, and working effectively with different teams on-site will not only make your placement more enjoyable but also prepare you for future roles in the industry.
How has your placement helped you develop both technical and management skills?
My placement has been invaluable in developing both my technical and management skills. On the technical side, I have gained hands-on experience in setting up site levels using dumpy and laser levels, as well as using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to mark out pile locations. I’ve also learned a lot about piling works, structural installations, and how engineering plans translate into real-world construction. Additionally, being a certified Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) has given me insight into the environmental considerations that must be factored into civil engineering projects. From a management perspective, I’ve developed skills in site coordination, health and safety compliance, and communication. Delivering toolbox talks and ensuring all site personnel are briefed on daily activities has improved my ability to lead and manage people. I’ve also had to adapt to challenges, such as delays caused by marine mammal activity, which has taught me the importance of problem-solving, time management, and flexibility. Overall, this placement has given me a strong foundation in both technical and managerial aspects of civil engineering, preparing me for future roles where I can take on more responsibility in both areas.
