Civil Apprentice Review

My Job Title is a Civil apprentice. My day starts by turning on my computer and checking my emails. I tend to check emails first to see if there are any important work that I need to attend to. If there is i'll start that straight aware. usually its comments on drawings or completed a present task such as formatting a document. If I have no work on my desk or emails I will go to my line manager and ask if there is anything I can assist on and he usually finds work by talking to people or direct from himself.

I am currently studying to a level 3 diploma in the construction and the built environment which helps me learn the things I need for work. So far I have become proficient in using word for formatting reports, Constructing spread sheets in excel and drawing in AutoCAD. I have done courses in health and safety, Office 365 and BIM.

I enjoy the challenge and variety in my programme at the moment. Almost everyday is different and never quite know what i'll be asked to do which makes me prepared for anything! I enjoy working in my team at the moment there is a good working atmosphere with the occasional laugh.

I feel valued as an employee at Mott MacDonald by being treated just like any other CAD technician or graduate. I'm not treated differently and people explain things to me when I don't understand them. This makes me feel like I’m a valuable asset to the team and am often asked questions on how to do things in CAD.

I had about a week induction which helped me see how the company worked with various tutorials on how to do things like a timesheet and health and safety in the workplace. I think it is well organised as every week I have a day training offsite at college and this fits into my week very well.

My training provider are very good at supporting my throughout my apprenticeship with regular visits into my office. I meet with my training officer to discuss my progress with my NVQ portfolio and any issues i'm having with my apprenticeship. We meet every other month in a meeting room downstairs, he’ll ask me questions about health and safety and diversity and check up on my NVQ progress as well as giving me feedback on NVQ documents I have already produced for him

I receive sufficient support from my manager throughout my apprenticeship. When work isn't so intense I am allowed to finish of college assignments or some of my NVQ which really helps me get things done as I find it hard fitting college work into my spare time. He will also give me time that I need when things aren’t going well outside of work. I recently couldn’t get my car insured and he supported me by ringing me up and suggesting I get the bus to work and that I could take the time off I had as unpaid leave

My living costs at the moment are very low as I live at home. with this in mind I can manage very well with costs and even save up for the future with the salary I am on. I have my own car now with insurance and can sustain it so I am happy for that. however if I didn't live at home the case would be different

I have recently got a scholarship with the ICE which is a great opportunity to develop my career and this was advertised at my college outside of work. I also have the option to go to social events with people from work that take place at either lunchtimes or after work.

Yes

They are a respectable company with a high reputation in the construction industry. They also treat all employees well and listen to everyone's opinion. Even though its a big company it feels like its not as each office has its own rules.

Try hard and impress the reviewers in the interview but most importantly be honest about your passions and career aspirations. Don't panic about how well you need to perform in an interview with ideal answers, the most important thing is to show your personality and tell them what your good at.