My Ãë²¥ Story: Lucy Ashen¡¯s journey from summer placement to senior civil engineer
December 10, 2025
Lucy shares how she built her career with our Leeds¡¯ Water team, mentoring others and winning NCE Graduate of the Year along the way
In the My Ãë²¥ Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Ãë²¥ have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
What attracted you to a career at Ãë²¥?
I first joined Ãë²¥ on a summer placement in 2018 while I was studying at university. At the time, I hadn¡¯t heard of Ãë²¥, but the placement was local, water-focused, and sounded genuinely interesting. I immediately loved the people and saw real potential in the work. I returned as a graduate and have stayed ever since!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working with great people and solving real-world problems. I love that my work helps protect rivers and improve the environment. It feels like I¡¯m genuinely making a difference¡ªnot just doing a job but helping to better the planet and the communities around us.
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How has your personal and professional development been supported at Ãë²¥?
I¡¯ve gained experience across a wide variety of projects, frameworks, and teams within the water sector. It¡¯s felt like having several careers at one company. I¡¯ve grown technically, taken on mentoring responsibilities, and recently stepped into a line management role, all with strong support from business leaders.
A standout moment for me was being named New Civil Engineer (NCE) Graduate of the Year in 2021. It was a huge milestone early in my career and led to the opportunity to join the NCE¡¯s editorial advisory board from 2022¨C2024.
What has been the standout project for you during your time at Ãë²¥?
Two projects stand out. Endeavour Wharf was a defining early-career moment. I was thrown in at the deep end but learned so much alongside experienced technical leads. More recently, it¡¯s Ilkley Sewage Treatment Works, where we¡¯re designing a wetland as part of the bathing water project, has given me a major leadership step-up. It¡¯s been one of my most rewarding projects.
I love that my work helps protect rivers and improve the environment. It feels like I¡¯m genuinely making a difference¡ªnot just doing a job but helping to better the planet and the communities around us.
What are your ambitions for your future at Ãë²¥?
My immediate focus is achieving chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)¡ªsomething I¡¯m working hard towards with great support. After that, I¡¯d like to explore new roles, perhaps taking on a project technical lead position. There¡¯s so much opportunity here to shape your own path.
What are your passions outside of work?
I love travelling, home renovation, and interior design. I try to get away skiing every other year and enjoy running, cycling, and the occasional yoga session. And I have two rescue cats who absolutely rule the house.
Why should others join the Ãë²¥ team?
The people are brilliant¡ªexperienced, supportive, and genuinely great to work with. There are lots of exciting projects and huge opportunities to grow. I¡¯ve also been part of the Developing Professionals Group (DPG), first as the Leeds office DPG lead and then moving up to a DPG lead for the North of England. Experiences like that really add to your career story and boost your confidence.
At Ãë²¥, our people are at the core of everything we do. For Lucy, that means turning her passion for protecting rivers and the environment into meaningful water solutions.