From apprentice to senior project manager: Katrina's journey

When Katrina Ho was 18, she stood at a familiar crossroads: university or an alternative path. Her decision to pursue a degree apprenticeship with AtkinsRéalis in the United Kingdom would launch a remarkable journey from a civil engineering apprentice to Senior Project Manager, spanning two continents and countless opportunities for growth.

Born in Birmingham and raised in Warwickshire, Katrina's story demonstrates how determination, curiosity, and willingness to embrace new challenges can transform a career. Her path from studying A-levels in maths, physics, and chemistry to managing complex engineering projects offers valuable insights for students considering apprenticeships and young professionals seeking career development opportunities.

Her journey showcases the power of strategic career planning, continuous learning, and the courage to step outside one's comfort zone. From the technical foundations of bridge inspections to the holistic view of project management, Katrina's experience illustrates how a well-structured apprenticeship can lead to international career success.

Early foundations and career choices

Katrina's journey began in the Midlands, where she excelled academically whilst nurturing creative and athletic interests. As a dedicated dancer who once dreamed of becoming a ballerina, she also participated in netball and hockey during her school years. This diverse background would later prove valuable in developing the well-rounded skill set essential for project management.

After completing her A-levels, Katrina reached a pivotal decision point. Although university beckoned with the promise of studying civil engineering, she chose a different route: a degree apprenticeship with AtkinsRéalis UK. This decision reflected her desire to gain practical experience whilst pursuing her education—a choice that would prove transformative.

The apprenticeship structure offered the best of both worlds: one day per week at university and four days in the office. This arrangement allowed Katrina to apply theoretical knowledge immediately in real-world situations, accelerating her professional development and providing comprehensive understanding of the engineering industry.

Building technical expertise through hands-on experience

For five years, Katrina immersed herself in the civils and structures team within the transportation practice, focusing primarily on rail projects. Her work encompassed bridge inspections, bridge design, and bridge analysis—technical skills that formed the foundation of her engineering expertise. 

This period proved crucial for developing her problem-solving abilities and understanding the intricate details of civil engineering projects. However, Katrina recognised early on that her interests extended beyond purely technical work. " I've always liked Project Management but I wanted to get a technical background first because I really enjoyed engineering and problem solving," she explains. 

Her forward-thinking approach to career development became evident during her final year. To complete her incorporated engineer objectives, she needed project management experience. Her line manager supported this goal by arranging a three-month secondment as an assistant project manager with the Central Rail Systems Alliance (CRSA). 

This experience proved pivotal—Katrina discovered her passion for seeing projects from a holistic perspective rather than focusing on individual components. "Project management lets me see the whole project which I enjoy more because otherwise, I would be looking at one deck of a bridge for years and never see anything else out of it," she reflects. 

Professional achievement and personal growth 

After five dedicated years, Katrina achieved significant milestones: graduating from her degree programme and obtaining incorporated engineering status with the Institute of Civil Engineering (ICE). These accomplishments represented the culmination of her hard work and strategic career planning. 

Rather than immediately diving into the next phase of her career, Katrina made another bold decision—taking a seven-month sabbatical to travel around South America. Her journey through Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru was more than just a holiday; it was a transformative experience that broadened her perspective and built her confidence. 

"Being able to travel during my seven-month sabbatical really helped me grow a lot more and realise that if I can go from living from home all my life to backpacking, then I could do a lot more than I thought," she shares. This period of personal growth prepared her for her next major career move and demonstrated the value of taking time for self-discovery. 

Taking on new challenges in Australia

Katrina's decision to move to Australia stemmed from her desire for continued growth and new experiences. After years of focused academic and professional achievement, she felt ready to expand her horizons beyond the familiar surroundings of the Midlands. 

"I loved being in a new country, learning about new cultures and meeting new people," she explains. Australia had always held appeal for her civil engineering aspirations, offering vast opportunities and diverse landscapes that aligned with her professional interests. 

The transition to Australia marked a new chapter in her career as a Project Manager, where she could apply both her technical engineering background and project management skills in a fresh environment. This international move exemplifies how calculated risks and openness to change can accelerate career development. 

Lessons in career development and teamwork 

Throughout her journey, Katrina emphasises the importance of seizing opportunities and building meaningful professional relationships. Her advice for career growth focuses on saying yes to new experiences and engaging with senior colleagues to understand different career paths. 

"Opening yourself up more to saying yes to different things, challenging yourself to be more inquisitive and talking to people who are very senior in their career to find out what they did" has been fundamental to her success. This approach helped her identify project management as her calling and navigate her transition from technical work to management roles. 

Katrina particularly values the supportive culture at AtkinsRéalis, where colleagues offer guidance and work collaboratively. "Everyone is really supportive and are always there for you. If you need help or have questions, there are always people there to help you and you're never expected to just know everything," she notes. 

The company's emphasis on work-life balance and flexibility has also been crucial to her success, allowing her to maintain structure whilst pursuing personal interests and managing her well-being effectively. 

Your next step towards career success 

Katrina's journey from apprentice to Project Manager demonstrates that strategic career planning, continuous learning, and courage to embrace new challenges can lead to remarkable professional growth. Her experience shows how degree apprenticeships can provide a solid foundation for international career success whilst offering the practical experience that purely academic routes often lack. 

Whether you're considering an apprenticeship, looking to transition into project management, or seeking opportunities for international career development, Katrina's story illustrates the possibilities that await those willing to take calculated risks and remain open to new experiences. 

Ready to explore similar opportunities? Discover how AtkinsRéalis can support your career journey and help you build the technical expertise and leadership skills needed for success in engineering and project management.