Sponsored Degree Engineer Review

Currently within my place here at Laing O'Rourke I am a technician Engineer. Day to day I create technical drawings and carry out design work to ensure it is safe to use, I also get involved in tenders that come into my department, as well as looking at the utilisation of the products in my area once a week as well as the forecast for projects and whatever else crops up!

Although I have been sent to University with this program (to get a Bachelors degree) I can honestly say that I have learnt so much more in the workplace and in so much more depth! the program sets up courses 3 times a year that work to develop our team building skills as well as helping us in our professional fields but there are also ample opportunity to go on training courses throughout the year

I love it, I still can't believe how lucky I am! It by far exceeded my expectations-I really enjoy going to work everyday and I don't know many people my age that can say that! the company is really well structured, if you don't like where you are or what you are doing they are happy to accommodate it. I would highly reccomend this course/programme to anyone thinking of doing one or something similar.

I feel pretty valued all the time, my manager is sure to sit down with me every now and then to track my progress and see if there are other things that I can help out with and giving me more responsibility, what I am doing well and what I need to improve upon, I find it really helpful! I find it particularly rewarding when I get news of a project I've partaken in and getting feedback on it just seeing pictures of things that I have designed being made really does make you feel valued.

the program is really well structured, we got an induction pack in the post months before we started then on the day of the induction they introduced us to the company with several talks from people higher up in the business as well as taking us on team building activities. During the induction they make sure that we are all set up with uni, as well as putting us in contact with our managers and mentors-making sure that we were prepared to start - even little things like setting us up with a cadet from the previous year - I found really helpful. we now have 3 modules a year where we do different activities and I can't wait! the only thing is the contact that we have now, although it is still good, its not as good as it was before we started.

so far everything has been great, they understand that you are still learning and help you along the way, and if whoever you ask can't help you, they point you in the right direction. I think there are occasionally things they could improve such as feedback or communication, maybe monthly emails to all students but overall they are pretty decent and helpful.

my manager is my main source of support, Sometimes I do feel like I am asking loads questions but being new to the construction industry he understands, he is always more than happy to take the time to explain things to me, even if it's a silly question! My mentor is great, she sits down with me and makes sure that everything is okay with me, makes sure that I am doing alright with university and if I have any other problems. everyone within the business is more than willing to support you they understand that you are new and are there to guide you along the way

I still live with my family but I am only 20. I would like to move out eventually but I don't feel like that I could quite afford that yet although I do know other people on my course that have. other than that it definitely covers the rest of my needs, I even managed to buy my first car! although the money isn't the best, its good to bear in mind that it is actually very competitive with other such schemes AND they do pay for university as well, which lets face it, is not cheap. as well as that they also pay for expenses such as travel to both work events and uni as well as accommodation/food and the price of the modules as well. although it might not seem the greatest yet I am only in my first year, and will (hopefully) be getting a pay rise! but as with anything you get out what you put in!

there are loads of social events that crop up all the time, from going out with the other cadets to going out with the team to going to awards ceremonies! they also encourage you to have some sort of charitable/sustainable goal to reach before the end of the year as well as plenty of opportunity such as days at work or even tag rugby matches.

Yes

its the best thing that has happened to me, it really has changed my life! I think even if I had of gone to uni full time I wouldn't have done as well as I hope to here and I won't even have the debt of uni now! I feel like I will come out of this program with so much more experience and knowledge (as well as a job!) that would have taken me much longer to acquire had I gone to uni alone

There really is no need to be nervouswhen you apply to Laing O'Rourke! If they like you and you are good at what you do then they are going to hire you! I was so nervous during my interview that I was stuttering and shaking and there really was no need for it, I still see the people that interview me around the office and they are really friendly and caring people, not scary at all!