Louisa joined the Bridge Team for a week of work experience in July 2024.
I’m Louisa and I am in Year 12 at Invicta Grammar School. I study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at A-level. After I have finished school, I plan to study natural sciences at university with a focus on physics, chemistry and material sciences.
Throughout the week I have participated activities in the office and on the bridge.
My favourite office task was calculating carbon emissions. This is an important part of the Rochester Bridge Trust’s commitment to Net Zero Carbon. I used two websites to calculate the carbon emissions of our lunch and various transport methods to get from Rochester to Bristol. In the lunch task I had to find ways to reduce the carbon emissions whilst still having a substantial, affordable and healthy lunch. For example, making my lunch at home would reduce my carbon footprint and make it more affordable. The transportation task required us to compare the different transport methods from the Rochester Bridge to Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. These activities were really insightful and have taught me to consider other foods and transport methods to reduce my personal carbon emissions.
My favourite bridge task had to be helping on the public hard hat tour of the bridges. Our role was to assist the Bridge Team on the tour and help any of the guests, should they require it. This was my favourite because it showed how valued the bridge is to the people living in the local area. The Trust dates back more than 600 years and the Old Bridge is a perfect example of the history of engineering. It shows how the Trust has adapted and the progression of technology throughout the years. It only excites me more for the future.
Finally, designing the lights for the Old Bridge was really fun. The enhancement lighting on the Old Bridge celebrates an event which links closely with the Trust or the local area and it was great to contribute.
I want to thank the Rochester Bridge Trust, especially Kate and Helen from the Bridge Team, for all their hard work and providing an amazing and insightful week.
