Engineering Foundation (2014-2021)

I began my career in engineering, aiding in designing new roads and major transport infrastructure across the UK. I started as an apprentice CAD technician, producing technical drawings and layouts for live projects, while studying a BTEC Level 3 part-time alongside full-time work. This gave me a strong grounding in design, coordination and working within strict technical and safety requirements.

Over the following seven years, I progressed into roles as an Assistant Design Manager and Assistant Project Manager, working on some of the UK’s largest highways schemes. I supported the planning and coordination of complex design packages, working with large multidisciplinary teams, managing programmes, reviews and approvals, and helping guide work from early design through to construction. The scale, pace and long timelines of these projects demanded clarity, organisation and calm decision-making.

Alongside project delivery, I also line managed apprentices entering the industry, supporting their development while balancing the pressures of live infrastructure work. Throughout this period I continued studying part-time, ultimately completing a BEng in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering. This background gave me a strong foundation in structured delivery, accountability and people management, all of which now directly inform how I approach production in VFX and creative environments.