My Â鶹´«Ã½ Story: Tom Shenton on being a project technical lead in our Water team
March 06, 2024
Tom, a design lead, shares his experience working with our UK Water Design team in Exeter
In the My Â鶹´«Ã½ Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Â鶹´«Ã½ have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
Tell us about your role¡
As a project technical lead with Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s UK Water Design team, I¡¯m exposed to the full breadth of water sector schemes from a number of clients ranging from clean water to wastewater, infrastructure and non-infrastructure. Applying my technical civil engineering, design, and project management skills on such a variety of bespoke projects is an excellent way to grow even more. I have an opportunity to learn, improve, and think holistically about the infrastructure of the natural and built environment systems in which we operate.
What attracted you to a career at Â鶹´«Ã½?
I was looking to move to the South West of England, and Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s new Exeter office provided the perfect base. Given that Â鶹´«Ã½ has maintained frameworks with the majority of UK water companies, there are a lot of projects to deliver that suit my core skillset. With the Company¡¯s growing international consultancy covering a multitude of professional services within the built environment, I knew there would be opportunities to develop my career in any number of directions.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
As a design lead, I have the privilege to work with industry-leading experts within Â鶹´«Ã½, which means there¡¯s always room to further grow the breadth and depth of my knowledge and understanding.
Working on projects that ultimately deliver positive outcomes to people, communities, and our clients is what being a civil engineer is all about. There¡¯s nothing better than seeing that change implemented in real life through new or renewed infrastructure.
How has your personal and professional development been supported at Â鶹´«Ã½?
One area of professional development I¡¯ve always wanted to pursue was client-side project management. Through Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s relationships and frameworks I¡¯ve been fortunate to apply my project management skills as a seconded project manager to South West Water. Responsible for delivering major capital works and drought interventions, I support water resources in North Devon, along with the general delivery of the clean water programme of works.
Stantec has supported me through my continuous professional development in line with my Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Development Action Plan which has resulted in my attaining New Engineering Contract (NEC) contract qualifications and expanding my professional activities as a Supervising Civil Engineer and ICE Professional Reviewer.
What has been the standout project for you during your time at Â鶹´«Ã½?
Since joining Â鶹´«Ã½ in December 2021, my standout efforts as a project technical lead and seconded project manager have been working on the design and construction of South West Water¡¯s North Devon Pipelines project¡ªa new pumped storage scheme for Roadford Lake and new 10-kilometre potable and treated water interconnectors through the region. The project will secure the region¡¯s water resources for hundreds of years and will leave a lasting legacy from all those involved in the scheme. Through the delivery of this major programme, I¡¯ve been involved with the full project lifecycle from design consultant and client project management perspectives. This has enabled me to build on my technical and leadership skills whilst recognising how the different roles can best add value to successful project delivery.
What are your ambitions for the future at Â鶹´«Ã½?
Staying well-connected within the Â鶹´«Ã½ community enables me to capitalise on opportunities to be part of exciting and career defining roles and projects.
Although I focus on expanding my competencies delivering major projects, I am also motivated to build high performing teams, develop the next generation of talent, and continuously improve what we do to provide greater value for our clients and their customers.
What are your passions outside of work?
I love history and visiting castles and other historic places that tell our national story. I moved to Devon for the great outdoors and enjoy spending time in the local National Parks and coastal areas.
Why should others join the Â鶹´«Ã½ team?
I¡¯d recommend considering Â鶹´«Ã½ if you want to be somewhere where you can define your own career. Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s size and broad scope of capability means you can develop in any number of directions while being part of a team that provides the structure and flexibility for you to perform at your best. Â鶹´«Ã½ invests in new and existing offices across the UK which means you can be part of a local team and build meaningful connections and relationships.
At Â鶹´«Ã½, we put people first, and for Tom that means investment in his development to improve our digital services and suite of solutions.