Skip to content

Phoebe Salter

from McDonalds crew member to Civil Designer
I design and model civil infrastructure like roads, highways and drainage systems.
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
Hansen Engineering Group - Sponsored by Construction Pathways
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • Why I decided to switch from Cabinet Making to Civil Engineering
  • The most exciting project I've worked on so far
  • The skills from my trade apprenticeship that help me in Civil Design
  • My advice for pursuing a trade or career in Civil Engineering

About me

  • Regional Background

I’m a Civil Designer at Hansen Engineering Group and I love creating infrastructure that helps communities grow and stay connected.

I grew up in Toowoomba and started my career as a Cabinet Maker, where I discovered how much I enjoy design and making things work smoothly. That interest eventually led me to Civil Engineering. I earned a design cadetship with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and completed my Associate Degree in Civil Engineering.

Now at Hansen Engineering Group, I’m learning through new and exciting projects every day while also studying for my Bachelor of Engineering Technology and working toward my RPEQ certification.

About my role

  • Creative
  • Focused
  • Passionate
  • Perfectionist
  • Sociable

Civil Designers help create the detailed plans and drawings used to build roads, bridges, drainage systems and other important infrastructure. They turn ideas into accurate designs that show exactly how something should be built and how all the pieces fit together.

To do this, they use design programs like AutoCAD, 12d and GIS to draw, model and refine their work. These designs guide engineers, builders and project teams throughout the entire construction process, making sure everything is safe, practical and easy to construct.

Civil Designers also work closely with surveyors, project managers and other specialists to understand the site and the project’s needs. By solving problems, paying attention to detail and communicating well with others, they help create the foundation for successful, real-world construction projects.

Education

  • Trade-Qualified Cabinet Maker
  • Civil Design Cadetship
  • Associate Degree of Civil Engineering

Subjects

  • Building and Construction Skills
  • Design
  • English
  • Food and Technology
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Industrial Technology
  • Physical Education

Awards

  • CUBIE 2024 - Empower People Award (Regional - Winner) - Department of Transport and Main Roads
  • CUBIE 2024 - Be Courageous Award (Regional - Highly Commended) - Department of Transport and Main Roads
  • Subject Prize - Furnishings - High School

Hobbies

  • Cooking
  • Hiking
  • Reading
  • Running
  • Volunteering

Pets

  • 2 Cat

15 year old me!!

“Do what makes you happy and what you love, because your future self will thank you for it.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Completed Cabinet Making Apprenticeship
  2. Obtained and Completed Cadetship at Transport and Main Roads
  3. Completed Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
  4. Became a Civil Designer
  5. Began Bachelor of Engineering Technology

My typical day

My employer

Through UNIQ You’s partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) we have been able to welcome construction Advisors from CSQ’s Major Contractor Partners. Read more about this Advisors employer below. Hansen Engineering Group is a Queensland-based civil and structural engineering firm delivering reliable, personalised solutions that create long-term value for communities. Founded in 2020, the firm provides expertise across sectors including transport infrastructure, bridges, ports and maritime, energy and resources, water and sewer networks and commercial buildings. With extensive regional experience and a commitment to approachable, client-focused service, Hansen Engineering Group supports public and private sector projects throughout Queensland and across Australia.