Highways Agency

Profiles - Our People

Meghann Downing

Generalist Scheme
B.A Combined Arts (Spanish, Ancient History and Theology)
Durham University

In my second year I was invited to work on the Camborne College Travel Plan. This was a large plan which involved 10,000 college students in Cornwall. The plan was to encourage students to travel to college via a method more sustainable to the environment. Thanks to our involvement, the College put in place a range of measures to encourage people not to drive. Ironic that the Highways Agency should try and get people not to drive? It makes sense if you think about it, shows how we’re thinking a little differently to contributing towards improving transport across England.

Throughout the course of the scheme I have been able to direct my own learning and experience, which may sound vague but basically means that you get involved in what you want to do, when you want to do it. It gave me the ability to take charge of my own career.

Michael Hillier

Generalist Scheme
Geography (B.S.c)
University of Birmingham

In my first year I was given the responsibility to manage a £22million portfolio containing 66 road improvements schemes. I had to manage these through their development whilst keeping an eye on the costs. There was a high level of interest in the delivery of these schemes and I had to report regularly to senior managers. I had to justify issues to them, which was challenging at times but a fantastic experience. It was particularly rewarding to see my efforts being recognised, especially at the end of the year when we completed 66 schemes within the budget.

The flexibility to choose my own placement and pursue my own development objectives was exactly what I was looking for. This allowed me to choose my career path and make my experiences as broad and varied or as specific and focused as I wished.

Matthew Taylor

Generalist Scheme
BA (Hons) Business and Quality Management
Staffordshire University

From the outset of the scheme I have been supported through friendships and guidance offered to me at every level. I have gained an overview of the Highways Agency, and built my understanding of the varying priorities of directorates and communication channels. I've had the opportunity to develop my skills, build a reputation and extend my network of contacts.

One of the larger projects I worked on was the delivery of an innovative concept called Active Traffic Management which involves vehicles using the Hard Shoulder on motorways, as an additional running lane. My role involved liaising with the regional control centre, stakeholders, listening to feedback and capturing good ideas. A highlight of this project included travelling to Holland to observe a similar scheme in operation, learning from their experiences and highlighting best practice.

Satish Luhar

Generalist Scheme
BA HONS Business Studies
Nottingham Trent University

I applied for the Highways Agency graduate scheme as I wanted to be challenged at work, and the scheme has delivered the challenges I desired and the rewards to match!

My first placement was in Network Strategy, the policy division in the Agency.  Within the first few months I had learnt vast amounts about the organisation, road building and maintenance, and how to develop policy.

My job is very Programme management orientated and involves developing new ideas for the Agency, monitoring and reporting on the major change activities, and ensuring that the Highways Agency as a whole are completing the necessary work to achieve the corporate aim of putting our customers first.

My responsibilities vary, and I have many that I assumed would not be given to graduates due the high profile nature of the work.  Having these responsibilities has given me great exposure to the internal workings of the HA, and is consistently challenging me to achieve.”

Liam Panter

Generalist Scheme
BA (Hons) Philosophy
Essex University

Graduate Scheme has been an excellent opportunity to get training and development. It has provided me with a broad range of training opportunities, from Leadership to Excel training, all of which have helped me develop. The scheme allows you to push yourself forward and take opportunities that you wouldn’t receive elsewhere. I have been able to be involved in the UK-Japan workshop, which I am fortunate enough to be able to go with the group to Japan.

This is an exceptional opportunity within the Graduate Scheme, but there are more opportunities to do these kind of developmental experiences within the Scheme than most others. I have also had the opportunity to be directly involved with keeping customers informed working within Traffic Operations secteriat section, liaising with members of the public and helping answer their queries. This really makes you feel as if you’re making a difference

Alex Knapp

Generalist Scheme
M.A History
University of the West of England

As Assistant Network Access Manager I was tasked with delivering a number of challenging projects focused on improving journey time reliability for the South West region. I devised set strategies which would be implemented in the event of a significant incident occurring in the region.

I am currently managing a strategy for overseeing all travel and transport associated with a specific site. It sets out a programme of both physical and behavioural measures that encourage the use of alternatives to single occupancy cars.

I am impressed with the amount of support that has been offered on the leadership development scheme. This, alongside the contacts that you develop, both within the scheme and as a result of moving between placements, provides a useful support network.

Matt Sweeting

Engineering Scheme
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering,
Liverpool John Moores University

Over the past few years I have had a variety of interesting jobs at the Highways Agency.  I currently head up the Agency’s Traffic Incident Management team who develop and implement new initiatives to restore normality on the motorways following an incident.  I manage a team of project managers and support staff with an annual budget of approximately £26m.

On graduating from University my initial goal was to become a Chartered Civil Engineer as soon as possible.  The Highways Agency made me a job offer that would support this goal by allowing me to work on secondment for a consultant and contractor while following a structured Graduate Training Scheme.  I was assigned two very experienced mentors who steered me to achieving my goal in just over 3 years.