Choosing an apprenticeship over university was a straightforward decision. I wanted hands-on experience, to build skills, and to work on substantial projects from the start, rather than waiting until after a degree. I attend Northumbria University once a week and then spend four days working on projects. Learning while earning, and applying academic theory directly to live projects, made this route a strong fit for an industry where experience counts.
That decision brought me to AtkinsRéalis, where I now work on HS2 as an Assistant Commercial Manager through the Engineering Delivery Partner framework. I support the commercial management behind delivery — the contracts, reporting, and day-to-day running of the commercial function. A lot of it comes down to keeping project information accurate and transparent, and working closely with multiple teams so everyone is making decisions based on the same clear picture.
What surprised me most early on was how quickly the responsibility came. Within the first couple of months, I became responsible for contractual communications and running initiatives. I expected to spend more time observing but was encouraged to contribute from day one. Being stretched in this way, with support from colleagues and mentors, built my confidence sooner than I expected and shaped how I’ve approached everything since.
No two days look the same, which I enjoy. Some are meeting-heavy, working with teams and clients to review progress or resolve issues; others are more focused, analysing data and supporting deliverables. What ties them together is the scale. Everything on HS2 is bigger and more interconnected, which has taught me how to overcome challenges, from tight deadlines to managing competing stakeholder demands in a fast-paced environment. Over time, my role has shifted from supporting tasks to taking greater ownership — the commercial awareness, problem-solving, and stakeholder management that come with this have become central to how I work.
The biggest lesson has been the importance of collaboration. A project of this size depends on multiple disciplines working together, and as an Assistant Commercial Manager, you sit at the centre of that. It has changed how I approach challenges: I consider the wider context alongside the commercial detail, balance competing priorities, and put real effort into relationships. A lot of that comes down to the client. The role has helped me develop a client-focused mindset by understanding what they need and how that shapes the commercial decisions I support. I have learned that being transparent and communicating clearly builds the trust that makes complex work easier to navigate.
It also helps that AtkinsRéalis is a multi-disciplinary, multi-sector organisation. Drawing on expertise across different areas means challenges can be approached more holistically and brings best practice from other projects into HS2. For example, when I identified an opportunity to improve how we were tracking and reporting progress, I spoke with a colleague in PMO. They shared how more structured tracking approaches and clearer reporting formats are used to improve efficiency and visibility. By adopting some of these practices, I streamlined our reporting process, making it more efficient and easier for stakeholders to understand progress.
My work has also gone beyond the day-to-day commercial role. I’ve taken part in reverse mentoring, working with senior colleagues to share different perspectives and challenge established thinking, and I’ve supported work experience initiatives for people considering the industry.
I’ve found it fulfilling to contribute to a project that will reshape transport in the UK, but I have taken particular joy in inspiring the next generation through work experience initiatives. I’ve had the opportunity to support students during a site visit, where they were able to see the project firsthand and gain a better understanding of its scale and impact. As part of this, I helped organise sessions where colleagues from different disciplines spoke about their roles, giving students a broader insight into the variety of career paths available. I also shared my own experience as an apprentice, answering questions and offering a relatable perspective on entering the industry. It was particularly rewarding to see their engagement and curiosity grow, and to know I had played a part in helping them better understand the opportunities available.
An apprenticeship in infrastructure or engineering is demanding and will push you, but that is where you learn most and grow. You gain experience, build skills, and work on substantial projects from the start, which, in my case, has set me up well for the rest of my career.
I’m pleased to be contributing to a panel session discussing the legacy of HS2 at the High Speed Rail Group Annual Conference 2026.
Blog post by Megan McCreadie, Project Management Degree Apprentice at AtkinsRealis
