Over the winter term, I had the privilege of working with Year 12 students at Space Studio West London as part of their Aspirations Employability Diploma. This programme provided students with an opportunity to tackle a real-world geotechnical challenge.

Over the past year we have had students join us from Simon Balle and Richard Hale Schools for our work experience programme. We aim to provide Year 11 to 13 students who join us for the week a real insight into the geotechnical industry.

During my time at GEA, I have learned new skills and created a deeper understanding of the engineering side of geology, which I have learned in class. During my week I have got to comprehend what happens in a geotechnical engineer's job from the preliminary reports to the site and lab work. I have enjoyed it all as I want to get into something geology-based for a career and it helps me better understand the engineering geology topics in my A-Level.

My name is Toby Forster, and I am just completing my first year of A level studies at Simon Balle School in Hertford. I have spent this week doing work experience at GEA’s main office in Ware, Hertfordshire.