Meet Charlotte, a Commercial Change Manager at Costain.
Charlotte is a tunnelling specialist who has been delivering rail and water tunnel infrastructure on major projects across the UK, and recently won the European Women in Construction Awards (WICE) award for Best Woman in Tunnelling and Underground Construction.
What led you to your career at Costain?
"I studied Mining Engineering at the Camborne School of Mines, part of the University of Exeter expecting to head off to a remote mine site on graduation. However, in 2013 there were few mining jobs, but tunnelling was booming in the UK with the construction of Crossrail. I started my tunnelling career as a TBM engineer in East London and have been delivering rail and water tunnel infrastructure on major projects in the UK since then. My latest project being the London Tunnels for HS2; joining Costain in 2020 as part of the Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture (SCS JV)."
How does your role contribute to improving people's lives?
"I studied Mining Engineering at the Camborne School of Mines, part of the University of Exeter expecting to head off to a remote mine site on graduation. However in 2013 there were few mining jobs but tunnelling was booming in the UK with the construction of Crossrail. I started my tunnelling career as a TBM engineer in East London and have been delivering rail and water tunnel infrastructure on major projects in the UK since then. My latest project being the London Tunnels for HS2; joining Costain in 2020 as part of the Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture (SCS JV)."
What is your biggest professional achievement?
"In North Acton, our Euston Stub Tunnels Project was highly commended by very senior stakeholders in HS2. The construction of these tunnels, which were required to launch the two TBMs to Euston, required complex collaboration and stakeholder management, but the team overcame all of this to deliver the works on time and on budget to the highest standard. This is the most rewarding part of building the team and developing the plan of works - when it all comes together and those you lead get their opportunity to shine."
What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?
"The diversity of projects! We work across four key markets of transport, water, energy and defence, which provides opportunities to learn and develop through exposure to a range of infrastructure projects. I’m also surrounded by great people."
What have you learned / what has inspired you during your time at Costain?
"The tenacity and passion of younger engineers that I have come across and had the pleasure of mentoring. It’s hugely rewarding to watch their personal and professional careers develop."
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
"Take as many opportunities as you can. Don’t worry if they feel like sideway steps, it is important to build a wide base of knowledge and a great network of people you can trust before climbing the next rung on the ladder."
Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.