My Stantec Story: Putting a passion for engineering into practice with Ella Azzopardi
February 28, 2023
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In the My Stantec Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Stantec have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
Tell us about your role…
I joined Stantec in September 2022 after studying my A Levels. I am a structural engineering degree apprentice in the Reading office, and I am also studying towards a degree in civil and infrastructure engineering at the University of Warwick, part time.
I currently work as a technician with the Buildings team. I focus on a variety of projects including housing estates and apartment blocks and use Revit and AutoCAD to portray the designs for clients.
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What attracted you to a career at Stantec?
I have always had a passion for maths and physics, and I knew that I wanted to enter the engineering industry after winning a regional engineering competition and learning how engineering could combine my interests in these subjects. I chose structural engineering over other disciplines as I have always had an interest in buildings and architecture—something that was sparked by visiting landmarks throughout my childhood.
I joined Stantec as I was intrigued by the varied projects that I could be a part of and I was also interested in joining the well supported apprenticeship programme—I saw an opportunity to combine my learning with experience and working towards a professional accreditation.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy learning from and working with such a wide range of talented individuals, whether this is from other apprentices in my department or experienced engineers. I also enjoy the exposure I get to other teams that I collaborate with, as it allows me to learn how Stantec works effectively on projects.
How has your personal and professional development been supported at Stantec?
Through the support I have received, I’ve felt my confidence grow immensely since joining Stantec. I have been assigned different team members to go to, to develop professionally within my role, whether for completing my initial professional development for incorporated engineer status or keeping a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record. I am also part of the Reading Developing Professionals Group (DPG) which is a great way to meet new people in my office.
From day one, you will feel like a valued member within your team, and you will be able learn and grow within your role throughout your apprenticeship.
What has been the standout project for you during your time at Stantec?
I enjoyed working on Padnall Lake, a residential project in north east London where I performed calculations on the number of piles required for the structure and used Revit software to develop a 3D model. I was able to work on the project with different members of my team to see how a project comes to life. This was one of the first projects I ever worked on and I look forward to visiting the site to see my drawings become a reality.
What are your ambitions for the future at Stantec?
One day, I hope to become chartered, although I am a long way off yet! For now, I aim to effectively complete my degree and apprenticeship alongside my role, through working on a wide range of projects and learning from those around me.
What are your passions outside of work?
I enjoy being creative; this includes writing crochet patterns and creating designs for my 3D printer.
Why should others join the Stantec team?
I recommend kickstarting your career at Stantec because they offer so much support. From day one, you will feel like a valued member within your team and you will be able learn and grow within your role throughout your apprenticeship.
At Stantec, we put people first, and for Ella that means collaborating and learning from others to enhance her apprenticeship journey. If you want to start your career at Stantec, visit Graduates & Apprentices to find out more.