Civil Engineer Apprentice Review

I started in October 2017 and have now been on the higher apprenticeship for just short of 5 months. We started off on a college block from the start of October to 3rd week in January and we did a level 3 in Civil engineering to get a taster for what we were going to do. So we worked 9-4:30 in college and got an early finish on a Friday to get home which was a bonus! Then when the college block finished we moved out of the halls we were staying in which BAM paid for and I moved to London, others moved elsewhere and they try to place you as near home as possible. It wasn't possible for me to placed near home. I have worked on Farringdon station now for almost 5 weeks and I'm enjoying it, on a day to day basis there are many thing that we do which might not be familiar to most, such as; Setting out, Pre-Pours, Site Diary's and many more but these are the things I have done the most of. I got given responsibilities more when I started understanding what to do and how to do it competently.

I have learnt loads since starting the apprenticeship just less than 5 months ago. I have gained a Distinction Star in the first college block and learnt a lot more about Civil Engineering than I imagined I would do in a very short amount of time. I haven't been to many training courses yet as I have only been on site for less than 5 weeks but I have been in some meetings which have developed my knowledge by just listening to experienced colleagues. There was 17 of us who started on the apprenticeship and we all made friends very easily and all keep in contact while on site as well, I feel this has improved my personal skills. I have learnt loads of things on site, of what civil engineers actually do and its really interesting and I am learning new things every single day.

I enjoy the team work while we were in college and also while I've been on site. The job thrives around team work and that is the way I like it. The company are very helpful and whenever there is a problem no matter what it is, big or small it can be sorted. It has blown my expectations out the water this apprenticeship with all the bonuses which are given and the amount of nice people you work with on a day to day basis. I am enjoying the apprenticeship program very much so far and would recommend anyone who is interested in civil engineering to give it a go.

I feel very valued by BAM Nuttall because you can tell by the people that work around you appreciate you and also the manager appreciates you and will check up on you to see if everything is going smoothly and if you're enjoying yourself. My line manager and everyone in the office are nice and seem to want to help whenever I am not quite sure how to do something and need a bit of help. As apprentices we have been praised by BAM on the different platforms of social media telling everyone how well we are developing. I am involved on many tasks and projects on site and have responsibility's which means they trust me and this makes me feel I am valued.

The apprenticeship seemed to be very well organised from my aspect. When we started we were given an induction of what we will be doing and everything we needed to know about things like; wages, expenses, accommodation etc. We had to do a CSCS test so that we could work on site that is the only training I have done so far because I am only less than 5 months into the scheme. We are supported by the teachers and BAM while we were in college which was very helpful and if we had any problems we would just go to them. While I've been on site i have been supported by everyone on site and have learnt a lot from everyone and I also had the support from BAM as well. The college seemed to be organised to think it was there first time taking on BAM apprentices.

While in college we had 6 different teachers and one tutor for the time we were there. They were all supportive and if we had any problems they would help us with them no matter how big or small the problem was. We were guided in class if were got something wrong, they wouldn't tell us the answer, which is good because then there is no point, they would just point us in the right direction and give us the responsibility to do the work ourselves. The teachers attitude was very relaxed which is great because it easy to ask them what we need supporting with.

The employers helped us out just like the tutors do. Meaning if we have any problems we could just ring, text or email our managers which is good because its only a touch away. Problems can be sorted very easily and are guided very well by the managers or anyone else associated with BAM Nuttall. The employers are very relaxed and helpful when asking them for support which is a real bonus.

The salary is very reasonable while in college and also when working on site. I get extra while I'm working in London for living away this goes towards the room I rent and is very helpful. All the travel costs are paid for and I also get to go home every weekend which BAM pay for. While in college our lunch is paid for by BAM which is a real helping hand. We have been taken out for evening meal a couple of times which is a really nice and unexpected thing for them to for us. When I was told I was in London it wasn't ideal because of how far away it is from where I am from (Manchester) although I have got used to it now and I am really enjoying myself.

While outside of work I have been invited to meals and drinks out with work. Also BAM have offered us a tournament for football which we haven't sorted out yet but we will do. There are things like the roadshow which is when BAM go round the country going to different places for the employees to meet each other and have something to eat and drink.

Yes

I would recommend this to a friend because it is a very well organised apprenticeship with a reasonable wage, a great and well respected company that will support you. I have met so many people and make lots of friends. I have enjoyed it. You will learn many new skills and develop lots of other skills.

Be yourself in the interview and make sure you know that civil engineering is for you, learn about the company and all the the great achievements that BAM have earned over the years. Ask lots of questions in the interview and ask lots when your on the job to develop your knowledge and skills. Experience as much as you possibly can to make the most out of your time on the apprenticeship scheme. Get your work started when you get it because if you don't it will build up and you will have to go for the lower grades which gets you through but when you move onto higher levels it will become extremely difficult. I would've liked to be told to not be nervous about asking questions because they might deem to be stupid but its better to ask the question than not to.