An alternative degree route
Alisa initially followed a traditional academic route to get to where she is today, achieving GCSEs followed by A Levels. She originally wanted to go to university and was accepted by all five of her university places before considering an alternative pathway. Alisa said:
“I wish I could say I always wanted to do an apprenticeship, but unfortunately no one discussed the option with me. I was always exposed to the option of a traditional university. I then saw the degree apprenticeship and thought it would be good to apply… and I got in. When I considered the advantages and disadvantages, it was a no-brainer to go for the apprenticeship!
“I always knew I wanted a degree as it is something I can take with me anywhere, including abroad. I would still be gaining my degree but with experience on site and my qualifications paid for. Most of the things I learnt on site can’t be taught in a lecture theatre, such as ordering materials, finding information from drawings, and communication skills.”
Alisa says she didn’t know what she wanted to be when she was younger. She talked to her course tutor who helped narrow it down to engineering. Alisa loved maths and the idea of being part of solutions and helping society was appealing. Alisa’s uncle is also a Civil Engineer, so she was able to speak to him about his career.
Becoming a role model
Diversity is important to Alisa. Whenever she can, Alisa tries to deliver STEM talks in schools to inspire young females and gives interviews with newspapers to motivate other women. Alisa is passionate about how a diverse workforce enables more knowledge and experiences to be shared. Alisa said:
“There is a low percentage of females in the industry - we are growing - but for a Muslim woman…it is even fewer! It was hard when I first joined, not having anyone to look up to and being the youngest woman of colour on site. Since then, my confidence has grown, and I am able to manage work areas and trade gangs.
“Unfortunately, I have only worked with one female engineer since I joined, but I hope to work with more. I haven’t faced any discrimination, but I have had that fear, especially wearing the hijab when I meet someone new. If anything, everyone is respectful and asks me questions out of curiosity and I am always happy to educate.”
Through her training to date, Alisa has attained an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), and is now working towards her degree.
Looking to the future
One of Alisa’s favourite things about work is that every day is different. She is not stuck behind a desk all day, and instead sees drawings come to life. Being part of a team with diverse experiences allows Alisa to learn a variety of skills and making a difference in terms of sustainability has also been very rewarding.
Alisa was part of the team that worked on Stourton Park and Ride - the UK’s first solar-powered park and ride site with solar panels provided on canopies above parking spaces to generate electricity. This is used to power lighting, electric vehicle charging points, CCTV, and heat the waiting room at the site.
The project allowed Alisa to contribute to a greener future which will reduce congestion in Leeds city centre. The site is adjacent to the M621 Junction 7 in Stourton and will be serviced by all-electric buses into Leeds city centre.
An award-winning engineer
Alisa rounded off 2022 with the CIHT Apprentice of the Year award. She impressed judges with her desire to encourage people into the sector, her enthusiasm and approach to civil engineering, and her passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Alisa was also highly commended in the Asian Achievers Awards 2022 and the 2022 Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) awards. Alisa said:
“I was honoured to receive the CIHT Apprentice of the Year award. It is great to be appreciated as an apprentice; a career route which doesn't get enough recognition. I hope as an apprentice, a person of colour, and a woman that I have inspired others. This award has already boosted my confidence as an engineer, and I know it will be something I can use in any workplace to showcase my skills.”
“At work, I am respected for the award and have received countless emails of congratulations! It is a real confidence boost! I really enjoy working on site, so I hope to continue that and gain more experience. Hopefully in the future, I can work abroad too.”
