From Apprentice to a Project Director job: Ashley's inspiring journey at AtkinsRéalis

From starting as a Civil and Structural Engineering Apprentice to leading major projects at AtkinsRéalis, Ashley’s career journey is a testament to the power of passion, leadership, and continuous learning. 

His story is not just about climbing the career ladder—it's about embracing challenges, driving innovation, and making a lasting impact across various industries. 

Explore why AtkinsRéalis is the perfect place for ambitious professionals to advance their careers.

What brought you to AtkinsRéalis?

"It was clear during my studies and working environment that I had a natural tendency to solve complex problems and, in doing so, could lead teams of people. This led me to a successful career as a program and operations director.

I encountered the AtkinsRéalis team several times during my final years at my previous company. I liked the sound of the organization, particularly its culture. 

I soon joined Project & Programme Services to lead the project management, workspace, and health and safety teams. For the past four years, I have led our largest commission on High Speed 2 and, more recently, taken on the exciting role of leading our major projects team.” 

What do you do in a Project Director job?

“I'm immensely privileged to lead our major projects team and capability across Project & Programme Services. This means I get to work alongside a group of individuals who, between them, have seen it all. 

We aim to harness and grow this capability across the business, ensuring our clients reap the benefits these individuals can provide at a senior executive level.

I also lead our commercial, delivery, and controls framework with High Speed 2. We provide the industry's most talented professionals in an iconic program that will inevitably drive growth into our economy. I'm incredibly excited to be part of this journey and the legacy it will leave behind.” 

How has AtkinsRéalis supported your career development as a Project Director? 

“We strike the perfect balance between support and autonomy, allowing everyone to excel. The management development program offered valuable insights and introduced me to our inspiring CEO, Ian Edwards. 

The mentoring and coaching programs have been crucial in advancing my career and equipping me to mentor others.”

Our middle and senior managers have worked extensively all over the world, and appreciate that careers are built on experience. 

So whether you’re in engineering or project management – you’ll enjoy opportunities on multi-disciplinary and multi-market projects, international exposure, internal career moves, and continuous professional development.

What do you value most about working as a Project Director at AtkinsRéalis?

“It's a cliché in consulting, but in Project & Programme Services, it boils down to the people. We have an incredibly diverse and yet inclusive environment. 

It's refreshing to be part of a team whose only target is to be the best version of themselves. This approach removes the shackles and limitations of targets. This allows the team to focus purely on what is important, and boy, when we do that, our results are off the charts.

What stands out is the support we offer each other - it's teamwork personified, and it starts with the managing director. While we have intense periods where people are under pressure, there is always time for conversation and smiles on colleagues' faces.” 

How would you describe the culture at AtkinsRéalis?

“All for one and one for all—our drive to create the best experience for our clients and people results in the freedom to focus on doing the right thing at the right time. 

This common focus galvanizes our people around a single purpose, fostering a team ethos that is prevalent across our culture. 

The diversity across our team means that we often view problems through a multitude of different lenses, harnessed through an environment where differing views matter, often resulting in some radical thinking and solutions.” 

Why does AtkinsRéalis stand out from talent competitors?

“Our new brand takes employees' opportunities at AtkinsRéalis to another level. Our people can explore a smorgasbord of roles across the construction sector and support services, not to mention the many geographies. 

Our work-winning and delivery capability means we're involved in most major global projects. This presence means that the range of clients and projects we can access creates a myriad of opportunities to supercharge our people's careers.” 

As an international world-leading engineering professional services and project management company, you’ll have access to the industry’s top experts, cutting-edge technology, and a diverse range of global projects that will drive your career forward.

What have you worked on that you're most proud of?

“I've worked in residential, casinos, education, aviation, water, healthcare, and rail - and my proudest moment is in education. 

During the recession, we launched a modular building business, transforming steel frames into innovative classrooms. Our venture supported a Barking and Dagenham primary school, overcoming space shortages without encroaching on its vital sports field.

Using a lightweight modular design, we ingeniously placed new classrooms within an old courtyard, even navigating a 200-tonne crane as the Olympic Torch passed the school! 

The joy of returning pupils and teachers to their new space was a proud milestone, showcasing our commitment to preserving community values while innovating in education.

Make an impact in a Project Director job at AtkinsRéalis 

Ashley's journey from an apprentice to a Major Projects Director exemplifies the limitless opportunities for growth and leadership at AtkinsRéalis. 

His story is not just about personal achievement but also a testament to the supportive and collaborative environment that we foster. 

With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and the development of its people, the company continues to be a place where driven individuals like Ashley can thrive and make a significant impact on the world. 

Find a role with us today in Project and Programme Services.