From DEC student to Incorporated Engineer: building a career through a Degree Apprenticeship
Julia didn’t know where construction might take her. DEC helped her explore the possibilities and find her route into a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.
Julia Podlinska
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic College
(London, England)
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Design, Engineering, and Construction in the Digital Built Environment (RQF)
CAREER PATHWAY:
Digital Engineering
Hear Julia’s story below
“DEC led me through a lot of opportunities for work experience and participation in different challenges. This opened up the room for me to see where I would see myself going.”
CURRENT ROLE:
Section Engineer
Skanska
DEC QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- TQUK Level 2 Diploma in Design, Engineering and Construction in the Digital Built Environment (RQF)
- DEC Future Infrastructure Programme: Hyperloop Station
Former Cardinal Wiseman Catholic College student Julia Podlinska first discovered the breadth of the construction industry through the Design Engineer Construct! Learning Programme, where she explored planning, design, sustainability, modelling and the many professional roles that bring a project to life.
After studying DEC and completing A levels, Julia chose a professional route into the industry, beginning a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with leading contractor Skanska in 2020 and attending the University of East London. She is now a Section Engineer.
Her achievements include recognition in the DEC Hyperloop Challenge, awards for Outstanding Professional Growth and Demonstrating Project Values and, in March 2026, achieving Incorporated Engineer status with the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Julia’s story shows how DEC can help young people discover their strengths, choose a pathway that suits them and build a successful career in civil engineering.
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