Apprentice - Civil Engineering Review

Here at the Mott MacDonald office, I spend my time creating AutoCAD drawings, looking at drawings, working on site and completing any college work.

I have learnt many new skills, such as how to use AutoCAD, how to complete on site surveys. I have learn how to look at drawings, and how to interpret drawings.

I enjoy the working week, but there are some downsides. Our office is very small, which means that it can be very relaxed. Some people don't have the time to help me out, and there isn't a set framework.

I do feel valued by Mott MacDonald, but sometimes I feel left out. I am often left out of site visits as they feel I am a liability. But sometimes they spend a lot of time working with me and helping me out.

That is the weakest point of my apprenticeship. My office that I work in is a satellite office. Which means there is little to no structure.

I get lots of support, but this is usually from college tutors. they help me through every step and help me to achieve my potential!

There are 2/3 members of staff who help me out, but most are 'too busy' to help! I can often find myself figuring things out on my own..!

My salary is very good. It is better than anything a part time worker/student would get, so I cannot complain from that perspective. A pay rise would be nice and the years go on as I will find myself soon needing a car and a house to rent, and my current wage wouldn't suffice.

We have a small office, so the amount of opportunities are small. Most of the people in my office like to go out on a Friday night and get drunk, this isn't my sort of thing. There are a couple of up and coming team building events which I will be attending.

Yes

Mott MacDonald is a huge company - with international offices. I'm in the long game, so I plan to work through the 4 year apprenticeship and when I am fully qualified, I plan to emigrate and work abroad.!

Stick with it! There is lots of dead ends, lots of interviews, faffing about. But it is all worth it!