Building Services Degree Apprentice Review

My role typically consists of working in a team producing reports, calcs, drawings and other deliverables for various projects while learning on the job when there is an opportunity to do so. I also attend university 1 day a week to further develop my knowledge skills and behaviours.

Through evolving ways of working, progressing through university and being exposed to a variety of work, I still continue to learn and further develop skills. I have recently learned to use Trimble to produce circuit diagrams, for example.

Working with my colleagues in the office has been a great experience as I am able to develop my skills and learn directly from professionals in the industry and contribute to actual projects while overcoming challenges in the design stages. Attending university also lets me network and socialise with other apprentices.

The university modules for building services are useful but not always relevant to my role. Modules can be focused on completely different disciplines sometimes (eg. civil, structural) and while a baseline understanding is appreciated, the majority of the content can't be applied to my work.

Both in this degree apprenticeship and my previous level 3 apprenticeship, my colleagues in work are always happy to provide assistance and support when necessary. Mott MacDonald is happy to prioritise the development of new apprentices and has recently began organising apprentice forums in the UK.

My tutor from LJMU encourages recording off the job training and developing my knowledge, skills and behaviours. They also provide advice in advance of the end point assessment.

A building services degree is a necessary step in becoming a chartered engineer, which is one of my long-term goals.

The Altrincham office frequently organises social events to network with other staff from the Altrincham and Manchester office (eg. a discounted session at Depot Climbing recently). A UK apprentice forum has recently been organised for apprentices to assist in their development.

Yes

I've worked at Mott MacDonald for 5 years and have always received support when needed. I've also received many opportunities to further develop my skills and am frequently exposed to unique and challenging projects

Show a willingness to learn consider how you would tackle different challenges in the workplace. You aren't expected to know much at this stage so people are more interested in how you would approach different situations and when you think it's appropriate to ask for support.