Myth busting with Dennis Powell CEng MCIHT Associate Technical Director Arcadis

6th Jun 2025

CIHT’s members lead the way in demonstrating how membership is both accessible and valuable in their careers. One myth or misconception is that a degree is needed to become a member or achieve professional registration. Here, Dennis Powell of Arcadis talks about his experience of achieving CEng via the experiential route.

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Dennis has been a member of CIHT since 2019 and has studied part time to achieve his CEng qualification whilst leading major projects on the HS2 construction programme.  

Dennis is a Chartered Engineer (CEng MCIHT), and Associate Technical Director with Arcadis, and has extensive experience of delivering projects on the UK’s most significant infrastructure works, including HS2. 

Over the years he has taken on a range of roles from Senior Engineer through to Highway Route Wide Lead and Project Manager, across multiple stages of the HS2 programme. His focus has always been on technical excellence, structured project delivery, and effective collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, both in the UK and through our Global Excellence Centres. 

In his role he particularly enjoys the challenge of aligning technical, environmental, and stakeholder requirements to deliver solutions that are not only compliant but also practical, cost-effective, and future-ready. Whether he is managing resources, leading design packages, or resolving construction-phase challenges, he takes pride in finding the balance between detail and delivery. 

The opportunity to gain CEng registration with CIHT via the experiential route where a degree is not a prerequisite has been valuable to Dennis. 

  

I joined the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), in 2019 while working as a Senior Engineer for Arcadis, looking to deepen my highway knowledge and experience and progress my professional qualifications.
Since joining, both CIHT and Arcadis have consistently supported my professional development. Their guidance made the Experiential Registration route, where a degree isn’t required, highly accessible and instrumental in helping me achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. I’m proud to have attained my CEng this year.
I particularly value the professional community, structured support, and access to resources that CIHT provides. Their clear pathways and guidance were key in helping me reach chartered status and advance my career beyond what I thought possible.
As part of my ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth, I actively mentor colleagues in achieving their own professional accreditations. I use the CIHT’s frameworks and resources to guide them through the process, offering tailored advice, practical insights, and encouragement based on my own experience. This mentorship not only supports individual development but also strengthens our collective expertise and fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and high standards”.

   

If professional registration with the Engineering Council is of interest to you or your team, please contact our Education Team education@ciht.org.uk t: +44 (0)20 7336 1571  

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Get ahead with CIHT Membership

Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT.  We are  committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career

Find out more