Kate Biltcliffe

"I am a commercially aware, highly diligent Engineer. I repeatedly exceed expectations and take pleasure from ensuring my work is of the highest quality. I have good communication skills, am reliable and enthusiastic which enables me to achieve objectives consistently. I am passionate about delivering the most cost effective, efficient and safe solutions. I am organised, thorough and am always looking to expand my knowledge. I enjoy working alone and as part of a team. I am curious and have a passion for creativity; I am able to challenge current ways of working and seek continuous improvement."

"I undertake Project Hazard Analysis and assess Safety Risk Activities. I put together Safety Plans, Cases and Justification Reports. I liaise with design teams and with the clients to ensure results are delivered in the required timescales and to a high quality. As part of my previous role I have also undertaken civil engineering design for railway foundations, with a specialisation in electrification and power structures. I have specified survey requirements and undertaken site surveys, providing site support to the construction teams. I have produced technical reports relating to the output of the team and participated in technical and progress meetings both internally and with our clients. "

"I did my GCSEs at school and then progressed to AS & A-level where I studied Maths, Physics, Geography, General Studies and Art. I then went to University of Leeds to Study Civil & Structural Engineering, gaining a 2:1 Masters Degree. After university I joined Balfour Beatty (Rail) on the Graduate Scheme as a Civil Design Engineer and stayed with the company for 3 years. I then joined ABC Engineering (Alstom Babcock Costain Joint Venture) before moving to Alstom and moving departments to be a Safety Assurance Engineer, which is my current role. At school I was unsure about what I wanted to study at University. I was advised by one of my teachers at the time to consider Civil Engineering. By studying Engineering, this would enable me to get a highly sought after degree without any obligation to follow an Engineering career at the end of it; Engineering degrees are very highly regarded and so it is easy to move into any other sector at a later date. Having completed my degree, I saw the benefits of a career in Engineering; job availability & security, starting salary, potential for progression and promotion and the opportunity to make improvements to the world around us. I was offered a job before I had finished university following a summer placement and have never looked back. Although the Engineering Industry is still male - dominated, I believe it isn’t the industry itself that needs to change but rather that we need to encourage more women to become a part of it. What does need to change is the numbers of girls taking up technical subjects at school and engineering degree qualifications at university.We as women don’t always want to be treated the same as men – but we want to be treated with respect and allowed to be ourselves. It’s okay to be female, don’t try and be a man. Don’t take on their masculine traits, just be a female and you’ll get respect. Apply for roles, even if you don't think you tick every box (very few people do). Have confidence!"

"I love to travel and see different places! Since starting work I have been lucky enough to visit Cuba, Mexico, Bahamas, Iceland, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, New York, Disney World Florida, Dubai, Croatia, Sweden, Mallorca & Australia. I enjoy making the most of my time away from work and my career allows me to do so. When I'm not on holiday I enjoy spending time with my friends & family and our dog, Bobby. I like to be outdoors and try to keep active but I will always make time for Netflix! "

"My days at work can be very varied; some days I will sit and reply to emails, or will be writing documents or making spreadsheets. On other days I will be attending meetings, I tend to travel once a week so although I am based in Liverpool I will visit our other offices in Birmingham, Derby, London and York. My work in the past has also included doing night shifts on the railway. "

"AS Level ArtA Level Geography, Maths, Physics, General StudiesMasters Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering (University of Leeds)Personal Track Safety Certified (allowing me to visit railway construction sites)Full UK Driving LicenseGraduate Member ICE (Professional Institution)Temporary Works Supervisor (to validate and verify temporary construction)Construction Skills Certification Scheme White/Yellow (allowing me to visit general construction sites)Site Management Safety Training SchemeFirst Aid at WorkFire Warden TrainingAPMP Project Management"