My time at GEA has been invaluable. Over the past 10 months, I have learnt so much about the geotechnical industry and the importance of hands-on experience across a multitude of sites. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and connections made during my time here.

As the year progressed, I became much more independent and given more responsibility as well as opportunities to learn and develop skills. My report writing became more detailed and I was able to tackle technical elements and competently understand the design process, the research and the recommendations within the reports.

Whilst with GEA, they provided me with the opportunity to attend a number of training courses and attain some qualifications including:

· CAT and Genny training with EQUIPE

· Safe working on geotechnical sites with EQUIPE

· Trainee CSCS card

· asbestos in Soils RSK training

· St Johns Ambulance first aid training

GEA also hosted and organised a number of software, seminars, drilling rigs and equipment demonstrations throughout the year to develop our knowledge.

Here are a few of my favourite projects and opportunities from my time at GEA:

· Assisting my fellow engineer Emma at a large site in Camden across a number of days on site by logging soil and drawing trial pits to then monitoring the groundwater and gas levels on multiple occasions.

· Visiting a historic site in Cambridge which required extensive historic research to ensure no services were encountered during the investigation as well as careful planning to protect the structure.

· Helping to run a careers fair stand at both Portsmouth University as well as at The Bishop’s Stortford High School where I also helped give a presentation to encourage student interest in the industry.

This bursary placement has been an incredibly valuable experience, and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities, experiences, and people that made it so enjoyable. I am excited to return for my final year at the University of Portsmouth and apply all the skills and knowledge I’ve learnt from this placement.

By John Fuggle