Jenna Allen #INWED17 Engineer A-one+ I have worked at A-one+ for over 8 years, starting in a technical admin role and studying on a part-time basis to gain the qualifications I needed to progress. I now design highway maintenance schemes for Area 4 and Area 12. I came into the engineering industry blind with no prior knowledge of what was involved, but I have met so many inspirational people in this industry throughout my career and through my work with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). My favourite part of the job is that no two schemes are ever the same which means that every day I face new challenges. I also have a lovely supportive team which makes some of the more boring tasks in my role a lot more fun. I like going out on site during the works phase of a scheme that I have designed as I think this provides really good experience. I have had many highlights and proud moments. My favourite moment so far has to be winning the Constructing Excellence Young Achiever of the Year award in 2015. I also challenges daily in my role as an engineer! My biggest challenge at the moment is trying to juggle my role as an engineer and as a mother. Recently my younger sister and best friend started degree courses at university in engineering/construction subjects due the stories and successes I share with them about my career and in my role as a STEM ambassador I have taken part many activities in schools and colleges to promote the industry. These events give a huge sense of achievement when you hear a child say that they now want to be an engineer when they are older. I have also taken up a teaching role in a local college on the HNC Civil Engineering course, it is a privilege to have an influence on trainees and students at the very beginning of their engineering career. I cannot recommend engineering as a career highly enough! It is a perfect example of a career where you will get out from it what you put in. If you are prepared to learn, study and leave your comfort zone occasionally then the opportunities available to you are endless. #INWED17 A-one+