Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

As a degree apprentice I act as engineering technician using Civil3D and Revit, I also perform as an assistant civil engineer. Tasks include assisting Civil engineers with design and project work by completing calculations, running models and writing reports. I have one day a week of protected study time to do any work for university that I have. Overall I complete a varied range of tasks.

I have developed many new skills throughout my apprenticeship. I have learned many skills necessary to operate within the consultant engineering industry including a varied range of site and office experience. I have also learned to use various software's I wouldn't have otherwise been able to use such as Infodrainage.

I have mostly enjoyed my experience as a degree apprentice. Carrying out an apprenticeship can be stressful at times with the challenges of balancing demanding project work and completing a degree at the same time. Despite how stressful it can be it is worth it as it allows me to complete my long term goals.

The structure of the degree apprenticeship could be far better. Strathclyde University has a very demanding workload compared to some other universities that offer the same course. The course could benefit from being more streamlined and deadlines more spaced out throughout the month. Often the demands of a full time career alongside studies is not considered and more communication could be benefited from. Many tasks are often group which is not totally feasible for students who only attend university on campus once a month and have varied full time working hours.

My employer has been supportive throughout my apprenticeship. They have been proactive in furthering my development and ensuring I have resources available to me.

Support from Strathclyde is offered but not often practical. Lecturers and university staff can often be hard to get a hold of for assistance as they have similar working hours to apprentices often 9-5 so it can often take days to get a response.

My qualification has helped to improve my report writing and mathematics skills. It has helped me learn about a wider range of disciplines and consolidate what I have learned or practiced within the workplace. I feel that it is beneficial to have completed a qualification as part of my apprenticeship.

Mott MacDonald have extensive sports and social opportunities, these are all organised by each individual offices S&S teams. Office wide activities include ECP events, Lunch and Learn, ICE events, Payday Socials, Summer activities (hikes, BBQ, boat trip etc.). There are also regional events such as Sports day for all offices in the UK and opportunities to attend ICE dinners and networking events.

Yes

Working with Mott MacDonald is a generally positive experience. The work culture is very welcoming and goal focused, there are many opportunities to progress your career in various directions at every stage. The attitude towards work life balance are some of the best I have experienced throughout my Woking life.

To research the role you are applying for and be aware of the technical requirement s of the job.