Mimi manages materials testing on construction sites. She’s worked on highways, bridges, buildings, tunnels and airports. No day is the same, as she’s either based in a lab, on-site, or in her office.
I love learning as an engineer, it never stops.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 25 |
| Based | London |
| Employer | Freelance |
What made you want to become an assistant materials engineer?
I didn’t get the grades to study medicine, and enrolled on a university course I hated. A friend invited me to an engineering class and, after talking to the lecturer, I transferred to a civil engineering degree.
What do you love about being an assistant materials engineer?
I did a 16-month work placement with a construction firm during university. I loved being able to say, ‘I worked on that’, when a project was complete.
What's a working day involve for you?
I've done materials testing at Tottenham Court Road’s new station for the Elizabeth Line, in London. Recently I've been taking borehole samples at an airport and recording how much weight the ground can hold, before building starts.
How much could you earn?
Assistant engineers earn £30,000 - £40,000. Eventually, I could be earning £70,000 or more.
What do you do in your spare time?
Even as an apprentice, my wage helped me travel. I've been to Bali, Malaysia, Iceland and all over Europe.
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