
Choose your own Adventure: Tatham Engineering Empowers New Grads To Explore
Tatham Engineering, a multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, is dedicated to fostering employee growth and development. This commitment inspired their latest initiative, aimed at supporting new graduates.
The Rotation Program
Launched earlier this year, the Rotation Program at Tatham offers civil engineering grads a unique opportunity to experience 3 or 4 departments throughout the first 12 months of employment. During each placement, staff will engage in typical projects, gaining hands-on experience with technology and tasks specific to each discipline. At the end of the year, employees decide which field aligns best with their skills and interests, and a permanent position is assigned.
The Program is available at each of Tatham’s five Ontario-based offices and will operate out of the following civil engineering disciplines:
- Bridges
- Buildings
- Hydrogeology
- Land Development
- Municipal
- Transportation
- Water & Wastewater
- Water Resources

Responding to Staff Needs
Recognizing a trend among young employees who began their career in one field of engineering only to find their interests and skills better suited to another discipline, the Rotation Program was created to give new engineers the flexibility to explore and be curious before narrowing their focus.
“The first step into an engineering career is the biggest, and so it is important to know you are walking in the right direction,” said Tatham’s Vice President, Michael Cullip, P.Eng. “We created this program to allow individuals to explore their true potential. It is designed to be a stepping stone for young engineers, providing them with the chance to broaden their horizons, discover untapped passions, and ultimately find their professional calling.”
Mentorship & Guidance
In addition to regular meetings with the supervisors from their chosen departments, program participants will receive one-on-one coaching with a dedicated mentor. The mentor plays an important role in the new employee’s support network throughout the 12-month job rotation, offering guidance not only in technical matters but also serving as a valuable resource for general career mentorship and personal growth.
Career Advantages
Before the formal establishment of the Rotation Program, several staff members at Tatham have undergone a change in disciplines. Lauren Buss, for example, initially worked in Tatham’s Land Development department before transitioning to Water Resources.
“My manager in the Land Development department had a background in stormwater management design and natural hazard assessments. He provided me with the opportunity to learn more about complex stormwater management designs and created an environment for me to develop my skills in this area before I decided to make the change,” said Lauren. Reflecting on her journey, Lauren says that switching disciplines has positively impacted her career, enabling her to become knowledgeable on a variety of engineering topics and gain a “big picture” perspective.
Applications for the Rotation Program are currently being accepted and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
About Tatham Engineering
Tatham Engineering is a Canadian employee-owned, consulting engineering firm with offices in Collingwood, Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge and Ottawa.
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