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We were delighted to have 16 year old Tyla join our team for a weeks work experience over the Easter holidays. Read her blog below to see what she got up to and why work experience placements are so important to inspire the next generation of engineers.

I am 16 years old and in my first year of sixth form, currently studying Maths and Science A-Levels with general interests in playing netball, reading fiction books and arts / crafts. Arts and crafts specifically led me to choose Design Technology for my GCSEs, all of which led me to consider engineering or architecture as a career.

During DT, we studied building design for some time and modelled a room, leading on to attending webinars that helped me to understand the importance of Engineering, specifically Structural Engineering. It seemed an interesting mixture of Design, Science and Maths – a blend of my academic interests – and I wanted to find out more.

“I can confidently say that I have learnt more than I believed I could.”

I approached Mosaic CSE at the beginning of Year 12 to learn more about Engineering and if they had an opportunity for work experience – I was met with enthusiastic and helpful encouragement and, later, a date was set for the Easter holidays. Now, having competed a week of work experience, I can confidently say that I have learnt more than I believed I could.

During my time with Mosaic, I was introduced to the basic physics behind buildings and construction, as well as design software such as AutoCAD, Revit and Sketch Up. I also learnt more about the role of an Engineer / Architect and how they interact with each other. Throughout the week, I was working on a live project in south east London called Drewstead. I traced and sketched sections of the construction plan and went through calculations with Eris Trushi, one of the Design Engineers working on the residential building. It allowed me to put all the calculations and engineering theory to practice with a site visit to Drewstead at the end of the week.

Looking back, I would say it’s best to have an open mind and ask as many questions as you can to further your understanding. I have learnt so much about the deeper, unseen links in the construction industry, the diversity of the work and its impact on the public. Discussions with the Mosaic team showed me that there are so many different routes to get into the industry, from engineering apprenticeships to architecture degrees, and I will continue researching the right route for me.

Tyla