Exploring Engineering Futures: Max Burke’s Work Experience

22 August 2023

We recently we had the pleasure of hosting Max Burke, a Yr12 student at Salesian School Chertsey, for work experience with our Twickenham team.

Max is currently studying Maths, Geography and Economics, and is exploring a future career in Engineering. During his time with us Max was introduced AutoCAD, visited a precast concrete factory, and learnt a variety of new skills that will give him a head start when he begins university. Here he share details of his time with us.

What about engineering interests you?

I’m attracted by the idea that my contributions could impact the built environment and how it could benefit and improve people’s lives. One of my favourite subjects that I am studying is maths, which forms a crucial skill in engineering that I hope to apply to my work in the future.

Have you enjoyed your week of work experience?

I have enjoyed the variety of tasks and experiences I have been given whilst learning key skills and gaining career advice. Being in the work/office environment has been an enjoyable and valuable experience.

What have you done during your week at Patrick Parsons?

I visited a precast concrete factory in Dartford. It was interesting to see the processes involved in producing the concrete and the characteristics it needs in order to be effective on a site.

A significant part of my work experience has been spent using AutoCAD. I looked at different levels of land and then I used this to create a sewage plan for a site. During this, I learnt some regulations of sewage system and how it can be used more efficiently to reduce costs and reduce any imperfections in the systems.

Another new experience I had during my time at Patrick Parsons was attending a meeting at a site in Clapham alongside structural engineers, architects and senior site managers. This was insightful to me, as I was exposed to methods of communication between different professions.

Will you be pursuing engineering in the future?

I have always enjoyed studying geography and have strongly considered continuing my geography studies at university but while I’m weighing up my career options, I see links with geographical concepts and civil engineering and how practical design and systems have a relationship with society, the economy and the environment.

My week at Patrick Parsons has given me a greater insight into the role of a civil engineer and this positive experience has drawn me closer to pursuing a career as an engineer.

I would like to say thank you to everyone at Patrick Parsons Twickenham, who have given me invaluable advice and guidance on pursuing engineering and have made my experience so positive.