A big investment by the UK in transport infrastructure came along just in time to tempt Tom Moore into the world of rail.
Things are looking up for civil engineer Tom Moore.
The Senior Project Manager at engineering consultancy Arcadis is working on what he calls “the types of projects that every engineer dreams of” — and he’s newly accredited as a Chartered engineer.
When Moore began studying, his interest was hydrological engineering.
“Then I spent some time working out on site for a company called Birse Rail and was exposed to the fundamentals of civil engineering,” he told create.
“I found that I really enjoyed that aspect of engineering.
That new passion was well timed. In 2002, when Moore took the job, “rail infrastructure was going through a mini boom in the UK”, he said.
“There was a real push for the construction companies and rail organisations to employ both undergraduates and graduates into rail engineering.”
A few years on, he began working on similar projects in Australia.
“Rail engineering in the UK is a mature environment,” he said.
“So I had a lot of knowledge that was a good base for me.”
Today he applies that knowledge to Arcadis’s work on major Victorian projects like level crossing removals, and the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.
Moore said the benefits that rail provides to the community are a fulfilling part of his work.
“I really enjoy the complexity of the rail projects, but also that there’s a good social benefit outcome for those types of projects,” he said.
“It’s not just building infrastructure, it’s a form of integrating into the community.”
Moore only achieved Chartered status this past October, but he has already seen the benefits.
“At Arcadis you do get a bonus each year when you are chartered, so there’s a financial recognition,” he said.
He also sees greater demand for Chartered engineers across the industry, which accords with Victoria’s proposed mandatory registration requirement for engineers.
“There’s this new legislation with the [National Engineering Register], where you have to become registered, so I think becoming Chartered helps support that process.”
Moore has also noticed a shift in employer attitudes.
“More and more roles now are being advertised where it says, ‘Must be chartered’, or, ‘Preferred if chartered’,” he said.
“So, it opens up those opportunities.”
Tom Moore’s 4 tips for success
- Don’t put off an application for Chartered status.
- Keep a good record of your engineering career.
- Keep track of your achievements as you progress in your career. It will make life easier when you prepare your Chartership application.
- Ensure you get exposed to a broad range of engineering activities so you become a well-rounded engineer.
Interested in learning more about the Chartered credential? You may already have what it takes to become Chartered. Find out more here and start your pathway to Chartered today.