I joined Transport Scotland’s graduate training scheme in April 2010. As a graduate, I have the opportunity of working in different teams, thus getting a flavour of the responsibilities and areas of specialty of each. During my first placement in Major Transport Infrastructure Projects Directorate, I was assigned to be part of the team taking forward a high profile infrastructure scheme in Scotland – the Forth Replacement Crossing!
April therefore saw me working with the Structures and Geotechnical Managers for the Forth Replacement Crossing. This included attending meetings with various divisions within the team in order to gain an appreciation of the aspects of their work, ranging from structural and environmental to policy and legal. A site visit to observe marine ground investigation in the Firth of Forth made me acutely aware of some of the challenges faced by the geotechnical team: health and safety, weather conditions and environmental constraints among others. I also visited some road sites on the south of the Forth, thus familiarising myself with a section of the network that would be upgraded to maximise the benefits of the replacement crossing.
One of the responsibilities of the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) team was to provide a new radar facility to fill the gap in radar coverage that would have been caused by the construction of the FRC in the Firth of Forth. Within a few weeks of starting, I was given the responsibility of assisting with the management of the processes associated with this project. Whilst this was a relatively small project, it gave me an insight on the way Transport Scotland manage projects from identification of the need to delivery. The challenges that come with this project helped to make me all the more aware of the many different aspects of a project of any scale, including legal issues, environmental impacts and aesthetic requirements.
Whilst these visits contributed to my professional development, they also provided good opportunities to socialise with other graduates and learn a little bit about what each is doing in the various directorates of the Agency. Having heard about the role and works of the different directorates straight from the horse’s mouth, I was better equipped to develop my graduate training programme with the support of my Delegated Engineer and the Graduate Development Officer. This is a task that I was encouraged to do from day one as having a structured programme is a step closer to becoming a chartered engineer.
From July through to November, I became more involved with ongoing ground investigation (GI) works. Comprehensive ground investigations provide geotechnical parameters on the substrata to support the design of the works and potentially lead to cost savings. In the office, I reviewed desk-study information on the sites and assisted the geotechnical manager in liaising with affected landowners and communities. I was seconded to site for 4-5 days each on three occasions during which I observed a number of GI methods such as cable percussive boring and trial pitting. On site, I also assisted the geotechnical engineer in carrying out reconnaissance surveys of proposed locations for boreholes, logging soil and rock samples and preparing progress reports. I thoroughly enjoyed this learning opportunity and gladly embraced the fierce weather and muddiness which came with it!
The beginning of 2011 saw me waving good-bye to my colleagues in the FRC team to embark on my next placement in Bridges and Structures team within Trunk Road and Bus Operations directorate. This team has the responsibility of managing and maintaining trunk road structures in Scotland, which comprises about 2000 bridges and 3900 culverts, retaining walls, sign gantries and high mast lighting columns. They also provide advice to other directorates to ensure that new structures meet current safety, economic and environmental requirements. Since joining, I have enjoyed deciphering the Structures Management System (SMS) – a database of all trunk road structures in Scotland. I have been very involved in updating SMS and reviewing it in preparation for the Residual Asset Valuation process which calculates the current monetary value of trunk road structures and is used as a tool to allocate budget.
This year has been particularly busy as I have undertaken additional tasks in conjunction with my duties in Bridges and Structures team. I signed up for an online module in project management as well as weekly evening lectures on traffic and transport in Buchanan House which I also assist in hosting, along with two other graduates. Having completed a training programme to become a Construction Ambassador in October 2010, I have participated in activities aimed at promoting engineering and the Institution of Civil Engineers among young school children this year. The flexible working pattern offered to Transport Scotland graduates allows me to manage my time and volunteer in schools regularly.
I have also organised lunchtime seminars for Transport Scotland graduates in 2011. These regular seminars have three-fold benefits for graduates; they provide a broader understanding of the works undertaken by the Agency, contribute to our professional development and provide an excellent platform for post-seminar catch-up chats among graduates!! For me, the additional plus point was the opportunity to liaise with senior members of staff within the organisation.
I have enjoyed my first year in Transport Scotland. Graduates are encouraged to tailor their training to meet their personal requirements and those of the Agency at the same time. Self management is an important competency to be learned and demonstrated. I am now looking forward to re-joining the FRC team who are currently managing the construction of the scheme to gain some valuable site experience which will also add to my training towards achieving Chartership status. With major projects such as the Forth Replacement Crossing in the delivery stage, it is a great time to be a Transport Scotland graduate!
