James

Joined Devon County Council, with a first from Cardiff Uni, in 2004 as a graduate engineer working under an approved ICE training agreement.

"Having undertaken two local summer placements with Devon County Council (DCC) in 2002 and 2003 I graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a first class MEng (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering. In September 2004 I commenced full-time employment with DCC as a Graduate Engineer working under an approved ICE training agreement. I formed part of the County’s internal civil engineering consultancy, the Engineering Design Group (EDG).

During my summer placements at DCC I quickly recognised the fantastic opportunities that were available, and, with its huge diversity of work I decided that DCC would be the best place to progress my career and work towards Chartered status. Working for the County has also allowed me to remain locally based and benefit from Devon’s flexitime system which can be used to accrue an additional 24 days leave per year!

Upon starting full time employment with DCC I designed, procured and supervised several capital maintenance schemes. After obtaining this grounding I went on to undertake the detailed design and procurement of the Devon Hotel junction improvement scheme, which involved using 3D modelling packages to design the new levels. In January 2006 I began work on the £42m Barnstaple Western Bypass in my role as an Assistant Employer’s Site Representative. This was a fantastic opportunity and it is very satisfying to know that I have contributed to such a successful scheme that has brought significant benefits to the whole of Barnstaple.

After spending approximately 20 months on site I rejoined the design office to work on other major projects. As part of DCC’s bid for Transport Innovation Funding I prepared several preliminary junction designs to achieve bus priority at the key junctions. However my main focus has been managing the design and development of the Exeter Principal Urban Area major scheme bid.

DCC have provided me with support and significant funding to undertake an extensive programme of professional development to supplement my training towards Chartered status.

I am hoping to achieve Chartered Status with the ICE in autumn 2008 and hope to become a Principal Engineer in the not too distant future."