Apprentice Review

My day-to-day duties include completing drawings, working with engineers and architects to finalise the details. I am a point of contact for our offices drawing distribution which comes with some responsibility. I will often be asked to print and scan drawings as well as file them away correctly. I will also be asked to sit in meetings and take minutes and write them up, later distributing them to the team.

Whilst being at Mott MacDonald, my communication skills have vastly improved as well as my interpersonal skills. The company paid for me to complete my Level 3 BTEC certificate in Civil Engineering, and I am currently completing my HNC. I have learnt how to draw competently and I understand the drawing / issuing process. I have also completed on-site training for when I need to visit a working construction site.

I mostly enjoy the apprenticeship that I am on. I feel that the work is varied and that I am a valued member of the team. There isn't much of an apprenticeship structure which can lead to some loose ends and quite afternoons, but I take advantage of this and complete any coursework. Due to my young age, I am often asked to trial new software, I really enjoy this aspect as it gives me great experience.

I feel valued by Mott MacDonald, they are paying me to complete my HNC in Civil Engineering which is fantastic. They give me challenging work and some responsibility (but no too much). Whenever I complete my performance reviews, my line manager is always happy with my progress, as am I. My salary also reflects this too.

This I feel is the biggest downfall of a Mott MacDonald apprenticeship. Due to the busy nature of the office, it can be quite hard to find people to mentor you on certain aspects of engineering. I attend University one day a week. I have a line manager who is very supportive and I am well integrated into the team. There is a HR mentor for apprentices and graduates who regularly contacts us about events and opportunities.

This can vary, as certain tutors can be really supportive and give lots of guidance whereas others can be distant and will make you struggle without giving advice. The coursework however is relatively easy and the exams seem to be going okay. The pass mark isn't too high so there isn't too much to worry about. I do regularly receive communications from them about books and websites too look at.

My employer give varied amounts of support. They are happy for us to take the day off to attend University, and have told us that they will allow us to take study leave if we require it. They encourage us to achieve our best and regularly give us work which challenges and pushes me. There are lots of reference books available online too, which means I don't have to buy them.

The salary is very good. It goes up as I progress through the apprenticeship. My line manager approves all pay rises that come my way. I do find that I am spending quite a bit on petrol due to the distance I have to travel to the office and I still live at home, I don't think I would be able to rent and have a living wage on my current salary.

Yes, there are regular development events organised by the company as well as social events. There is monthly casual days and charity events too. Our close proximity to Manchester city centre allows us to venture into the town after work on a Friday and relax and catch up. Mott MacDonald also push us to attend ICE and IStructE events also. There are company wide sports days as well as fantastic Christmas events.

Yes

They are a fantastic company that is well respected and have a range of disciplines. They are very supportive of educational development. They have offices all over the world and push for you to achieve the best. The starting salary is very good compared to similar apprenticeships and continually increases as you progress through the company. They have the latest software which allows you to work better and faster too.

When applying, show that you are keen to push your development and that you enjoy working in large groups. Although a knowledge of engineering is ideal, I didn't have any and they brought me on. You must be willing to learn brand new software that you will never have used before. They have offices all over the UK so show an interest in maybe experiencing larger and smaller offices. Lots of people do apply to work for Mott MacDonald, so make sure your CV is very good and that any personal statements are well written and show you off the best it can.