Joel Pepper
Manchester
Summary
Highly motivated Graduate Civil Engineer with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil Engineering from The University of Manchester and Graduate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Currently gaining hands-on experience with Kier Transportation, supporting the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects and developing a strong understanding of project risk across design, construction and delivery phases. Experienced in identifying technical and delivery risks, supporting mitigation strategies, and contributing to informed decision-making through analysis and clear reporting. Skilled in working with multidisciplinary teams, interpreting engineering data, and understanding the interaction between cost, schedule and scope. Committed to developing a career in risk engineering and project controls, with a strong focus on proactive risk management, performance assurance and continuous professional development.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Graduate Civil Engineer
Kier Transportation
2024.09 - 2026.03
- As a Graduate Civil Engineer with Kier, my role has involved applying engineering theory to practical challenges, developing technical solutions, and working closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
- I have supported the delivery of over ten multidisciplinary civil projects by applying engineering judgement to identify assess and manage technical queries and delivery risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Designed and developed civil engineering solutions for transportation projects, ensuring alignment with project requirements and client objectives.
- Through project experience, I have developed a strong understanding of how technical, commercial and programme-related risks impact project outcomes.
- Evaluated project compliance with design specifications, regulatory standards, and safety requirements.
- Prepared clear technical reports and documentation such as design risk registers, communicating emerging issues, constraints and risks to internal and external stakeholders.
- Conducted detailed site surveys and assessments to support accurate and effective engineering designs.
- Prepared clear technical reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate progress and findings to stakeholders.
- Worked alongside project teams to ensure engineering solutions aligned with cost, schedule and quality objectives, supporting the mitigation of potential delivery and compliance risks.
- Contributed to problem-solving workshops and value engineering exercises, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost exposure and enhance sustainability.
- Gained exposure to project management processes, risk assessments, design risk strategies and quality control procedures.
- Collaborated with contractors, clients and public authorities to manage interfaces, address risks, and maintain progress against agreed timelines and budgets.
- Utilised AutoCAD and other industry software to produce precise technical drawings and plans.
Business Support Assistant
Birmingham Children's Trust
Birmingham
2023.08 - 2024.03
- As a dedicated Business Support Administrator at Birmingham Children’s Trust, I played a vital role in the mission to protect and improve the lives of vulnerable children within our community. My responsibilities include crucial tasks aimed at safeguarding the well-being of mistreated children and ensuring effective communication among multidisciplinary teams. This involves:
- Meticulously attended confidential conferences regarding mistreated children, demonstrating high level of discretion and sensitivity in handling sensitive information.
- Actively listened and skillfully transcribed numerous meeting proceedings verbatim, ensuring accurate documentation of critical discussions and decisions.
- Collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, legal professionals, and child protection specialists, to ensure seamless flow of information and coordinated efforts to enhance children safety and well-being.
Assistant Manager of a Bar
Prestige Suite
Birmingham
2019.06 - 2022.04
- In my role as part-time bartender at Prestige Suite, I honed valuable skills and gained experiences that are highly transferable to graduate engineering roles. While it may seem unrelated on the surface, this position demanded unique blends of technical acumen, problem-solving ability, and interpersonal skills that directly contribute to my capabilities as an engineering professional.
- Maintained fast-paced work environment by efficiently managing over 400 customers at times, ensuring prompt service, and delivering quality beverages.
- Developed a keen sense of time management, optimising workflows to handle high-demand situations effectively.
- Addressed customer requests and concerns with creativity and resourcefulness, finding solutions in real-time.
- Developed strong problem-solving skills, a critical asset in identifying and resolving engineering challenges.
- Enhanced communication skills through interactions with both colleagues and customers, crucial for effective project collaboration.
- Honed interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate complex ideas, valuable for client interactions in engineering.
Galliford Try
Bristol
2017.06 - 2017.07
- During my shadowing experience with Galliford Try, I had the invaluable opportunity to observe and learn from a seasoned lead project manager in the construction industry. This experience, although observational, provided me with a firsthand understanding of the complexities and demands of project management in the civil engineering sector.
- Witnessed leadership in action, including decision-making under pressure and effective delegation of responsibilities.
- Recognised the critical role of safety and quality assurance in civil engineering projects.
- Witnessed the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning and design through execution to project closeout.
- Gained insights into project initiation, scope definition, scheduling, and budgeting which are fundamental aspects of civil engineering projects.
- Experienced how project managers identify potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies.
- Gained exposure to problem-solving techniques for addressing unexpected challenges during project execution.
- Recognised the importance of strong leadership in achieving project objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Civil Engineering
University of Manchester
2019.09 - 2023.07
APM
Skills
- Technical Engineering Skills:
- Structural Analysis: Understanding how structures react under loading and being able to analyse and design them accordingly, proficient in GSA and Revit
- Geotechnical Engineering: Knowledge of soil mechanics and strength in design
- Project management: Gaining an in depth understanding and insights of how projects are managed through cost and time efficiency
- Construction Materials and Methods: Understanding the properties and uses of various construction materials and methods
- Communication Skills:
- Strong oral and written communication skills to convey technical information effectively to team members, clients, and stakeholders
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills:
- Ability to analyse complex problems and propose effective engineering solutions
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills to perform calculations and simulations
- Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Collaborative mindset to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- Continuous Learning:
- Willingness to stay updated with the latest industry trends and advancements in civil engineering
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENT
Outlook Expedition I took part in a 4-week expedition to Borneo which included raising four thousand pounds cover costs and support a local village build a church with fellow students.
Member of the UMRLFC: September 2019 - July 2023 I was a member of the 1st team Rugby League squad at University of Manchester and trained weekly. This has helped me improve my communication skills resulting in being appointed vice captain.
CCF Cadets: 2012 - 2016 My level of confidence, leadership, and ability to adapt under stressful situations has greatly increased through the CCF cadets; where I taught younger cadets military knowledge such as field craft, weapon handling, first aid and team building. I am also a qualified first aider because of cadets 1st Dan (Black Belt) in karate: 2014 Achieved a black belt in Wado Ryu after eight years of training displaying my motivation and determination. Rugby 1st Team Captain Played for Walsall Rugby club as well as captaining my school’s 1st team which required an ability to lead a team of people in a high-pressure situation and also showing the ability to adapt to deal with different types of difficult personalities. Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award: 2015 Developed team-building techniques and a sense of responsibility and leadership qualities. Self-initiative for route planning and navigation. Outlook Expedition I took part in a 4-week expedition to Borneo which included raising four thousand pounds cover costs and support a local village build a church with fellow students. Member of the UMRLFC: September 2019 - July 2023 I was a member of the 1st team Rugby League squad at University of Manchester and trained weekly. This has helped me improve my communication skills resulting in being appointed vice captain.
CCF Cadets: 2012 - 2016 My level of confidence, leadership, and ability to adapt under stressful situations has greatly increased through the CCF cadets; where I taught younger cadets military knowledge such as field craft, weapon handling, first aid and team building. I am also a qualified first aider because of cadets
1st Dan (Black Belt) in karate: 2014 Achieved a black belt in Wado Ryu after eight years of training displaying my motivation and determination.
Rugby 1st Team Captain Played for Walsall Rugby club as well as captaining my school’s 1st team which required an ability to lead a team of people in a high-pressure situation and also showing the ability to adapt to deal with different types of difficult personalities.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award: 2015 Developed team-building techniques and a sense of responsibility and leadership qualities. Self-initiative for route planning and navigation.
Timeline
Graduate Civil Engineer
Kier Transportation
2024.09 - 2026.03
Business Support Assistant
Birmingham Children's Trust
2023.08 - 2024.03
Bachelor of Engineering - Civil Engineering
University of Manchester
2019.09 - 2023.07
Assistant Manager of a Bar
Prestige Suite
2019.06 - 2022.04
Galliford Try
2017.06 - 2017.07
APM