Kimberley McKallip, an apprentice engineering technician at Clancy Consulting. Picture: LUCINDA HAZEL-CRACKNELL

Kimberley McKallip, an apprentice engineering technician at Clancy Consulting, tells Belle Wiley that women interested in a career in civil engineering should ‘go for it’

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Why is it a good profession to get into?

Civil engineering is a really good career which I am proud of. I work for a national company, Clancy Consulting, which offers a range of services across the built environment.

I’ve always been interested in maths, buildings and construction. I knew that there weren’t that many women going into the industry, but if you like something you should just go for it.

It’s actually really enjoyable working mostly with men, they don’t gossip as much as women.

What does the work involve?

I started with Clancy as an apprentice four years ago and have been going to City College Norwich one day a week. I completed the National Certificate in Civil Engineering and am now in my second-year of the HND.

As a trainee, my days are spent in the office preparing computer-aided design drawings. These need to be precise and it’s enjoyable when they come back spotless. I check calculations like the load bearing of beams, drainage run-off, depth of manholes. It does involve quite complicated maths but once you’ve gone through it, it all makes sense.

I have been on-site a few times and once I’m qualified I’ll go a lot more to take measurements, meet clients and attend meetings.

What are the positives/negatives of this profession?

Starting as an apprentice has meant that I could start my career without great school exam results. I was really keen and enthusiastic about engineering and Clancy took me on.

It’s hard work juggling going to college and work. But I know it’s going to be all worth it in no time

When I first started I think people might have thought that I was a dumb bimbo, but now no one even thinks about the fact that I’m female.

I do sometimes get surprised clients who can’t believe that I’m female and that’s not very nice, but I’ve built up a thick skin and ignore it. Luckily it doesn’t happen often.

Is there much local demand for people trained in this area?

Yes, I don’t think that many people are starting in this profession so there is demand, especially for people on apprenticeships who have built up good work experience.

What would employers look for in someone for a vacancy?

Maths is important and any experience related to design 
work. You need to have a good attitude, dress well and speak nicely as you will be dealing
with the public.