Bianca is a degree apprentice working on the Thames Tideway project in London and specialising in tunnelling. Her team are building a 25km super sewer which will make the river cleaner and more environmentally-friendly.
Construction Engineer, Age 21
Bianca is a degree apprentice working on the Thames Tideway project in London and specialising in tunnelling. Her team are building a 25km super sewer which will make the river cleaner and more environmentally-friendly.
"My apprenticeship suited me a lot more than full-time A levels."
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More About Bianca
Bianca's always been interested by how things are built. She organised work experience with Crossrail when she was sixteen, and it blew her mind, seeing behind the scenes on a large construction project.
The jump from GCSEs was challenging. Bianca achieved CCD at A Level, then enrolled on a Level 3 apprenticeship to do a BTEC. With that complete, she started a five-year degree apprenticeship in civil engineering.
Day to day, she ensures that work carried out on-site meets the client’s specifications. She does regular progress, quality, health and safety, and environmental checks. Once a week, she goes to university for lectures.
Work has given her so many opportunities. She delivers STEM sessions in schools and promotes women in construction at careers events. She was live on BBC Breakfast when her team lowered the first tunnel boring machine into the ground.
Her starting salary was £19,500. Bianca now earns £26,500. Eventually, she could be earning £50,000 - £70,000, depending on her employer, or whether she becomes chartered.
Discover a life in Construction
Life as a construction engineer looking good? Explore the job roles further and discover how to break into the industry.
