Meet Vicky Walker – Associate

Vicky has over 30 years’ structural engineering experience. Joining JNP Group in 1992, Vicky has undertaken the role of Contractor’s Engineering Manager (CEM) or Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) (Design) for a number of projects, including frameworks.

When did you first became aware of the possibility of a career in engineering?

My route into engineering was not typical or intentional, I spotted an advert in a local paper for a junior technician in a local consulting engineers and as I was good at Maths and was adamant that I didn’t want to go to university full time, I applied, they interviewed me, and offered me a position on the same day.

What inspires you about Engineering?

It’s a creative career with so much variety where you can make a big difference. Seeing a building coming out of the ground is very rewarding. I take so much pride in what I do, and every day is different.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

We’re always working to very tight deadlines, which adds a lot of pressure. We need to produce consistently high-quality work at a fast pace, which is a big challenge, but this is what keeps our clients coming back. However, by working together as a team we get a lot more done than we would working separately, so great teamwork is a priority in our business.

What advice do you have for someone interested in engineering?

The world will always need good engineers. For anyone who is thinking about joining an engineering environment, I’d say go for it! Engineering gives you so many different opportunities; making it a great career path for anyone interested in solving problems. Pursue it. It is hard work, but – for me – so gratifying and that I’m still doing this today is due to the hard work I’ve put in through the years. I have never regretted my decision and am so thankful for the independence and freedom.

What guidance you give to women who may be considering a career in engineering.

Engineering requires people with a wide variety of interests, skills, & perspectives and it’s important to promote gender diversity because having a balanced workplace means having a variety of skills at your disposal, creating the best team.

I would love to see more female leadership within the industry, and I look forward to a time when we are no longer talking about gender and equality because it has become fully integrated into the industry.

What is your favourite structure and why?

There are so many impressive structures, and I do have a love of bridges (as my family knows from the detours we must take to see them), particularly the Victorian ones for their combination of bold engineering innovation and architectural styles.

I would say my favourite structures are two of my local Calderdale landmarks: Wainhouse Tower and the Piece Hall. This is due to the history and stories behind them; they have changed purpose over the years and are still in use. These are places I see and visit regularly, so I can fully appreciate them.

Wainhouse Tower is an ornate 19th‑century folly standing about 84 m tall, making it the tallest folly in the world. You can climb its 369 steps to the top to take in panoramic views across Halifax. It holds special memories of climbing it as a child with my Dad holding onto my coat, thinking I might blow away.

The Piece Hall in Halifax was completed in 1779 and had 315 trading rooms over three levels of arcaded walkways around a huge courtyard. It is the only remaining Georgian Cloth Hall in the world. Originally earmarked for demolition in the 1970s, it was saved and underwent a major restoration. The hall now contains shops, bars and restaurants, as well as hosting events and concerts.  The Piece Hall is such a local gem; I am always amazed at how it has stood the test of time.