Women in Engineering: Llinos Tarbuck – Project Manager

In this series, we’ll be highlighting some of the unique stories of the women in engineering at Taziker. Keep on reading to find out more about Llinos Tarbuck, Project Manager in our Structural Solutions team.

Since graduating from Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Liverpool in 2015, Llinos Tarbuck has had a varied and exciting career in the industry over the years since. However, it’s hard to believe that a career in engineering almost didn’t happen for Llinos.

Despite studying all the classic engineering subjects at school in physics, maths and technology, Llinos never thought a career in engineering was in her future. With the stereotype of engineering being male dominated, she was steered more towards a career in healthcare, but she knew this wasn’t where her passion was.

Llinos explained: “After finishing school, I worked in various jobs such as retail, hospitality and met people from all different backgrounds. I have always had an interest in bridges and rollercoasters, and I was often asked if I’d considered a career in engineering.

“My careers advisor at school had never seen females go into engineering, so I was advised to look at a career within healthcare. When I received an offer to study nursing at university, I knew this wasn’t the right decision and at the last minute, I applied to study engineering. I was accepted and you could say that the rest was history!”

During her studies, Llinos worked for different contractors on live construction sites as a chain person and setting out engineer. Following on from her graduation, she went onto secure full-time employment, working on a variety of projects including marine, rail and temporary works.

Llinos moved to New Zealand in 2019, where for two years she was Project Engineer, completing works on a major highways scheme. Upon moving back to the UK, she returned to the railways as a Site Agent, before joining the team as Project Manager at Taziker in Blackburn. 

As Project Manager, Llinos is assigned a structure to manage from the early stages of the contract, through to completion and handover. She works closely with Taziker’s clients and designers throughout, manages subcontractors, and ensures that project timescales are met for our clients. 

What would her advice be for future women in engineering? Llinos said: “Don’t believe the stereotypes. If you’re a woman and passionate about engineering, there is a career right there waiting for you. Be sure to explore all the amazing opportunities that an engineering career can bring, both in the UK and internationally!”