Canada

People Spotlight: Meet Colton Wooster

Colton Wooster

Colton Wooster is a geotechnical engineer-in-training based in our Manitoba office in Canada.

Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a geotechnical engineer-in-training from our Environment business line in Canada and providing an insight into their inspiration and work. 

Colton Wooster is a geotechnical engineer-in-training based in our Winnipeg, Manitoba office and works on projects primarily in northern Canada. Working across our Transportation and Water business lines, he is involved in projects related to contract administration, geotechnical investigations and reporting. 

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I always knew I wanted to be in a business that would have a lasting community impact. I enjoy the

Growing up, my family primarily worked in the healthcare and education fields, so I was unfamiliar with the engineering industry. I’ve always excelled in mathematics and problem solving, however, I struggled during my first year of university as I could not find a career path that inspired me to succeed or allowed me to apply my strengths. 

I took a break from school to work in the construction industry in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Working closely with project managers and engineers, I gained a deep understanding of the dynamic role of an engineer, paving the way for my career in the field. 

Based on my previous university experience, I decided to take a different path. I applied for and then graduated with a civil engineering technology diploma from a local college. This approach allowed me to assess my commitment to the field — if I was successful, the door was open to continue towards a civil engineering degree. I wanted to ensure that this career path was what I envisioned. 

After my first year at college, I was hooked! I knew this was the career path for me. I dedicated myself to four years of rigorous study, supplementing my education by working in the summer months to fund it. After graduation, I entered the industry initially with a geosynthetic company. During this time, I developed an interest in geotechnical engineering. However, I always had the goal of working in consulting, so when I saw the opportunity to join AECOM on their geotechnical team, I immediately applied.