TfWM Apprentices Undertake Design Rotation with Pell Frischmann and 4Way

In February, three apprentices from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) were invited to undertake a design rotation with Pell Frischmann and 4Way.

The purpose of the rotation was to mentor and assist the apprentices with gaining experience in designing traffic signals, understanding the broader field of civil engineering and planning, as well as exploring the differences between working client and consultant side on projects.

From 18th February to 29th May, Taylor, Austin, and Hodaviah completed a fifteen-week placement, spending three days each week working with Pell Frischmann and 4Way. Throughout the placement, they worked on a range of tasks including design development, spreadsheet analysis, and LinSig modelling. Their work was overseen and supported by several team members from both organisations, notably Andrew Walsh, Shane Collins, Dan Smith, and Dan Susans, who each provided valuable guidance and technical insight during their time with the teams.

The design rotation proved to be a rewarding and positive learning experience for each apprentice, as reflected in their comments below:

I have enjoyed collaborating and learning many things during my time here, from Future Mobility to the work done on AutoCAD. I have learned how to navigate and use AutoCAD effectively. Additionally, I have acquired the skills to place various road markings and present drawings of a model to be sent to the client.

–Austin Hand
TFWM Apprentices Austin

It has influenced me to always design with a clear understanding of what I’m working on and to consider all types of user groups, like disabled or the visually impaired users.

–Hodaviah Kealu
TFWM Apprentices Hodaviah

I’m particularly proud of using CAD to design junctions with traffic signals and printing out the drawings, which then would be sent to the client. It helped understand how the design process works and how the junctions work with all the equipment.

–Taylor Nash
TFWM Apprentices Taylor

Pell Frischmann and 4Way have a long-standing and collaborative relationship with TfWM, delivering impactful transport and infrastructure schemes across the region. A key programme we’ve supported is the Cross City Bus initiative, launched in 2019 to enhance public transport and reduce journey times. Most recently, as part of Package 5, Pell Frischmann delivered bus priority measures along Washwood Heath Road, while 4Way led the design and commissioning of upgraded street lighting.

Additionally, we’re also pleased to be part of the Midlands Metro Alliance (MMA), a consortium formed to expand the West Midlands Metro network. We’re proud to be part of the design consortium alongside Egis and Tony Gee, while 4Way provides road traffic signal and street lighting design services to support the delivery of the Metro extensions.

The MMA is responsible for several major projects, including the Birmingham Eastside and Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extensions, aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting economic regeneration across the region. Whether it’s delivering impactful infrastructure or providing learning opportunities for apprentices, we remain committed to supporting TfWM and the future of transport in the West Midlands.

We have worked closely with the team at TfWM on a number of projects over the last few years, and it has been a real pleasure supporting them in their Apprenticeship programme. At 4way, we take pride in nurturing the next generation of engineers. I hope that during their time with us, Austin, Taylor, and Hodaviah gained valuable insight into the world of traffic signal design and traffic engineering.

–Shane Collins, 4Way’s Smart Cities Sector Lead

The partnership has been vital in supporting the development of Traffic Signal Engineers for the future in the West Midlands.  With a huge skills gap and shortage across the region, the apprentices are building knowledge and skills that will help to maintain the region’s resilience across the network.

–Transport for West Midlands

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