Background and industry experience
Alison joined MEC in September 2023 as an Engineering Coordinator, where she brought over 20 years of experience in civil engineering, highway design, light rail and water. She has since progressed to Project Manager, using her wealth of experience to support the wider team across a range of residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. She plays a key role in ensuring smooth technical delivery and providing valuable support across multiple disciplines.
Alison began her career as a Geotechnical Technician, balancing full-time work with part-time study before earning a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University.
Throughout her career, Alison has taken on leadership roles in project delivery, client management, and business operations. In 2017, she joined her family business, as a Director, overseeing residential developments from land acquisition through to construction and sale, as well as managing financial oversight, safety compliance, and contractor coordination.
Any projects you have worked on in your career that you are proud of and would like to note?
“Design/ construction of new water supply reservoir on behalf of Yorkshire water in Kettlewell North Yorkshire, A village located in the Yorkshire Dales, a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and surrounded by archaeology.”
Outside of work, she enjoys walking, running and horse riding.
About me
What is your favourite holiday destination?
New Zealand
What is your favourite film?
The Sting
What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
Horse Riding
What is your favourite sport to follow?
Dressage
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta of any description
Women in Engineering
Tell us a little about your role.
I manage projects for clients from outline planning through detailed planning onto detailed design including but not limited to obtaining required approvals from authorities such as water companies, Lead local flood authorities and highway authorities. I manage projects and assisting in delivering projects in house between different disciplines and offices.
What first inspired you to do engineering?
I knew I wanted to do something in the construction industry, and I was good at maths and technical drawing at school, I tried 2 or 3 different disciplines in the construction industry and landed on engineering.
How do you feel about being a woman in your field of engineering?
I think in every industry and across business generally women are not considered as highly as men. Men are naturally wired to think they are wonderful at whatever they do (whether its true or not) women are naturally wired to go into work do a job to the best of their ability and then go home to start again there. I think this is true across all industries not just engineering.
What’s been the most challenging part about being a female engineer so far?
I have never yet managed to achieve equal pay to men who are in the same role.
Have your views on gender changed in the workplace since entering engineering?
Not really.
Would you encourage other women to consider roles in engineering?
Yes, I think it is a good career, but I don’t think it is suitable for everyone. You must have confidence in yourself and your ability and be able to stand your ground particularly with contractors who usually by nature are men who don’t like to be instructed by women.
What’s ahead for your career plans?
Well as a typical woman I turn up to work do my job to the best of my ability and go home to deal with what ever else needs dealing with. I have never had and still don’t have a planned career trajectory. I have been lucky enough to have a character where I like change and say yes to all and every opportunity that comes along (whether I think I would be any good at it or not) resulting in me working across the UK and abroad. Working in different disciplines including water, highways, light rail and on the developer/construction side. As well as working my way from an apprentice to a designer to managing a multidisciplinary office to being self-employed and managing a business.
Contact: alison.ward@m-ec.co.uk