Claire

"I've now been in this post for 9 months, most of which has been spent in the Area Offices. In the Materials Lab I was involved in pavement investigation for highway reconstruction schemes, surveying potential schemes and establishing recommendations. I tested new surfaces and accident sites for skid resistance using both a pendulum tester and the Griptester. Assessing bituminous materials and concrete to ensure they met quality standards was also a large part of my day to day work.

The technical knowledge that I acquired whilst at the Lab has been valuable throughout the rest of my training.

Working for the Traffic team in Area East, my tasks included responding to customer complaints and queries regarding traffic issues. I was involved in schemes improving road safety especially outside schools and I took responsibility for planning and overseeing sign replacements preparing bills of quantities and liaising with contractors.

I then moved to a Highway Maintenance team, aiding the Highway Engineer in planning the following Summer’s Surface Dressing programme involved measuring, probing, designing, and preparing the bills of quantities for preparatory patching and surface dressing.

I assisted in the supervision of resurfacing work on a £400,000 Capital Highway Maintenance scheme, liaising with consulting engineers and contractors as necessary.I also provided cover for Highway Superintendents, responding to customer queries and highway emergencies and compiled a programme of footway enhancements on residential estates

Whilst in the Policy section in Highway Management I undertook an investigation into the problem of worn manhole covers, a subject that is attracting national press attention especially in regard to motorcycle safety. I worked with other local authorities in order to plan trials and try to engage the utility companies who own the ironworks. Allocating budgets between local area offices, assessing evidence surrounding Wet & Dry accident sites allocating budgets for remedial action if necessary. Updating policy documents and gathering evidence for resurfacing scheme priorities.

I have recently joined the Highways section of the Engineering Design Group and I am due to be working on the Exeter Principal Urban Area Project.

Alongside my various placements I have been undertaking a distance learning course (Highway Technology NVQ 4) in order to 'top up' my academic qualifications, and hope to reach Incorporated Engineer status early in 2009.

In my opinion the scheme so far has been excellent, I have received all the support I needed in order to make the move into Engineering and hopefully achieve Incorporated status. I'm enjoying the challenge of learning many new skills and I have found my colleagues on all my placements to be really helpful."