From apprentice to assistant design engineer: Ciara’s journey at AtkinsRéalis

She started a nursing degree, switched to engineering, and graduated top of her class. Meet Ciara.

For National Apprenticeship Week, we’re sharing stories from people across AtkinsRéalis who started their careers as apprentices. This is Ciara’s.

Ciara is an Assistant Design Engineer based in Glasgow, working in the Overhead Line Equipment Design team within Complex Projects. In plain English, that means she works on everything connected to the overhead wires that power train services, from CAD models and technical drawings to interpreting survey data and understanding how small design details affect real world delivery.

But engineering was not the original plan.

I started a nursing degree after school and soon realised I wanted something different, she says. When she joined AtkinsRéalis as an apprentice, she was stepping into a completely new environment with limited knowledge. What she did have was determination. With guidance, encouragement and hands on experience, I found a career where I could grow.

“I will keep you guessing which one”

Here is something most of Ciara’s colleagues do not know. She grew up playing football at a high level. She was a goalkeeper, played nationally, at pro youth level, and for one of Scotland’s biggest two teams. Although I will keep you guessing which one.

It is not just a fun fact. The confidence, teamwork and mental strength I learned through sport still help me in my engineering career today.

From drawings to reality

During her apprenticeship, Ciara’s work centred on OLE design, creating CAD models, drawings and layouts and learning how different parts of the railway system connect. Today she supports projects of all sizes across the UK, and the thing she finds most rewarding is seeing her work leave the screen and become something real.

One project stands out. It focused on reconnecting a rural area to a city centre, improving access to jobs and education and helping local businesses grow. Seeing the positive effect our designs had on the community was incredibly rewarding, she says. It reminded me that engineering is not only about technical solutions. It is about improving lives.

First class honours and counting

Ciara’s apprenticeship saw her study for a BEng in Design and Manufacturing Engineering. She graduated with first class honours. She is now studying for an MSc in Engineering Management with Process Excellence, sponsored by AtkinsRéalis, and working toward professional registration, with chartership planned after the MSc.

AtkinsRéalis sponsored my Masters degree, something I would never have been able to fund myself, she says. This support has made a huge difference to my development.

 

Along the way, she has had opportunities she never expected. In 2025, she spoke at the Rail Scotland Conference and presented at Rail Live at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, sharing her experience as a young person in the rail industry. These opportunities helped me build confidence, network with industry professionals and develop my communication skills.

Why the apprenticeship route worked

For Ciara, the apprenticeship gave her something a traditional university path would not have.

Apprenticeships are a great way to combine hands on experience with classroom learning. You can earn while you learn and avoid student loan debt. For someone like me, who came into engineering with little experience, it gave me the space to grow and discover my strengths.

She is also clear about what keeps her here. The team, the flexibility, the trust. Hybrid working helps me balance my wellbeing and manage my life outside work. I feel trusted, supported and able to bring my whole self to work. And the people around her matter. Everyone in my team is friendly and willing to help. We work together, learn together and enjoy the journey along the way. I would not be where I am today without their encouragement.

From a nursing degree to first class honours in engineering, a Masters, conference stages and a career designing the infrastructure that keeps trains running. Not bad for someone who came in with limited knowledge but a lot of determination.

Interested in starting your own journey? Explore apprenticeship opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.