DCG Success Stories

Keen cyclist and Derby City Council civil engineer Clive Sayers is in a job which allows him to combine one of his favourite hobbies with his work.

The former Derby College Group higher apprentice is now an engineer in Traffic and Transportation with the council and engaged in developing cycle paths and sustainable transport in Derby.

Clive, 53, always wanted to go into civil engineering and in 2018 his employer gave him the opportunity to take a level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship at the Roundhouse on day release.

In July he become a member of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) at Eng. Tech level – the first DCG higher apprentice to do so, via the apprenticeship gateway.

Clive said: “The apprenticeship meant studying at home and weekends and, after a full day at work it was very intense, but I didn’t mind.

“I loved learning and would go as far as to say that I miss having to study. Derby College was a great experience. My course involved high level maths which I found hard going but the staff  who were teaching me were excellent.

We started from scratch and they got me through it. During the pandemic we  had to learn online but that meant we got one-to-one tuition with our lecturers.”

After time in the Royal Navy then retraining in horticulture and urban tree management, Clive worked for several local authorities before joining Derby City Council when he was 40 and starting a new career as a highways inspector.

He then moved into drainage and flood defence – a role he loved – and  his civil engineering career started to take off.

Clive, whose grandfather, uncle and brothers were all involved in heavy plant operation, is pleased with the direction he’s taken and that he’s been able to gain qualifications, industry accreditation and a wealth of practical experience.

He added: “I’m so grateful to the college, and to Derby City Council for giving me the chance to become a civil engineer. Having my EPA accreditation with ICE means so much.”