VHE Expand Technology Team

Sophie Denton and Hamish Wilkins, both from the University of Leeds, joined the VHE Technology team in the summer of 2018 as Placement Geo-Environmental Engineers and throughout their time at VHE have worked on sites throughout the UK for clients such as Harworth Group, Clyde Gateway and National Grid to gain valuable insight into our contaminated land remediation, earthworks and infrastructure works.

One memorable project Hamish worked on was the environmental improvement works at Kelty, were he performed site monitoring that was undertaken as part of a gasworks remediation contract. For Sophie, the project she enjoyed working on the most was the Shawfield site for the last three months of her placement. The works include remediating Chromium VI impacted ground. The appointment followed on from successful works carried out on Phase 1 during 2013/14 and two phases of product trial works during 2016 and 2017.

When reflecting on his time with VHE Hamish commented that having lots of responsibility and the freedom to plan your own day was the reason why he applied for the position. His advice for potential students considering taking a placement year is to really commit to the experience. “There is a lot of work to perform on various sites that run simultaneously, where you have to think for yourself, as colleagues rely on you and your results can mean the difference between a site passing and a site failing, so you need to be able to manage your time efficiently”.

Sophie commented that the year had been a fantastic opportunity working with great people. She was first attracted to the role as the position offered her the chance to visit a variety of different remediation and earthworks sites across the country while getting hands on experience at chemical and geotechnical sampling and environmental monitoring. Being based both on-site and in the office meant she could organise her own time and which site she worked on each week. Her advice to potential students would be to enjoy every minute and ask for help whenever you need it.

Both Hamish and Sophie commented that both the site and office staff they worked with had been supportive and welcoming throughout the year. They are also incorporating their experiences into their dissertations with Hamish working on a project centred around Galligu and Sophie utilizing chemical data from the Shawfield site.

Everyone at VHE would like to thank them for their contributions and consistently high standard of work during the past year and wish them all the best in their final year of studies and future careers.

Although we are sorry to say goodbye to Hamish and Sophie we are pleased to welcome Nina Male and Rory Grindey who have recently joined the Technology team as Placement Geo-Environmental Engineers. Both join us from Leeds University where Nina is studying Sustainability and Environmental Management (Earth and Environment) and Rory is studying Geography. They will both be assisting the Technology department with environmental monitoring, overseeing earthwork activities with stabilisation and bioremediation techniques while engaging in a wide range of site and laboratory based activities.

Earlier this month we also welcomed James Carlow to the Technology team. James is a Summer Placement Chemical Engineer who will assist within our internal laboratory with chemical processing techniques and soil washing capabilities. He joins us from Lancaster University after successfully completing his second year studying Chemical Engineering.

The Technology team is headed up by Technology Manager Hassan Masoum and Senior Geo-Environmental Engineer Gemma Hickingbotham. Gemma is a Chartered Geologist and STEM Ambassador.

If you are interested in a placement opportunity or working with one of the UK’s leading remediation contractors visit our careers page or contact us on 01226 320150 our through the quick enquiry form.