Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

I am currently an apprentice civil engineer at BAM Nuttall. On a daily basis I will have to: - Create the relevant permits for the work being carried out on site and provide the supervisor with this paperwork. - Set out accurate points on site using GPS and upload those to CAD. - Carry out regular safety tours of the site (around twice per week) - Fill out the health and safety observation register regularly and send directly to the project contracts manager. - Carry out levelling on site for the site team to commence with work. - Check area of work for underground or overhead services in the area that may cause safety hazards when the work is carried out. Everyday the job involves communicating with all members of the site team as well as the management team. I currently report to the site sub-agent as well as the site general foreman. Communication is vital in this job and therefore maintaining good working relationships is necessary. My current site placement is with BAM Rail in Aberdeenshire. The project I am working on is the Highland Enhancement Programme. The project is a 200 Million project that will see an additional railway line run from Aberdeen Station to Inverurie Station which will mean that existing bridges will have to be lifted widened and then relayed with some requiring additional foundations. The project is expected to last over 2 years.

I have achieved a BTEC level 3 diploma and am going onto do a NVQ and level 5 HND and even level 6 if I want to eventually. Internal training includes, tool box talks specifying dangers on site. Health and safety courses can be done through the company externally. For example over the last 5 weeks I have been put through courses and am now; eligible to remove sharps from working areas, a fire warden and fully CAT and Genny trained.

The programme that I am involved in is great. All apprentice being together during the academic weeks allows you to create new and strong friendships. While on site the current site team that I am involved with are fantastic and couldn't do enough to help me settle into the team and gain the confidence to tell them what to do. Before coming on site I was apprehensive as the placement means that I have to live away from home however, since being on site I have loved every minute.

BAM Nuttall is a great company to work for as managers provide the perfect balance of guiding you and throwing you in at the deep end. Your work is constantly valued by those around you in the office as well as those on site. A lot of apprentices fear that managers will take advantage of them while they are on site passing down small and irrelevant jobs however, at BAM Nuttall this is not the cause as all jobs that pass your desk are important and time consuming meaning you are seen as a valued member of the team.

The current programme I am involved in is extremely well organised and those in charge of running the apprenticeship scheme have done a great job on construction a programme like this. It is important to remember that during the academic weeks studying is vital as the work load can get on top if you don't allocate a large portion of your spare time to college work.

All you have to do on this programme is approach and speak up if you have any problems while on site or at college and it will be dealt with in the correct manner.

The support from BAM Nuttall is fantastic as they fall head over heels to ensure that your time in the programme and with the company is an enjoyable experience. If there are any problems during the course of the apprenticeship then there is a great support network that you can turn to if in need

The salary that you are paid as an apprentice at BAM Nuttall is possibly one of the best packages you can get. When at college accommodation expenses are covered as well as travel expenses and therefore the salary you receive goes straight into your pocket. While on site depending on your situation but in my experience I am provided with a living away allowance while on site which covers the price of accommodation.

Outside of work there are opportunities such attending company events where you can speak to the CEO of BAM Nuttall. When out of work there are opportunities to join in with those who regularly go the gym, play 5-a-side etc.

Yes

A great all round experience.

Be confident and eager when learning new things. It is important to be yourself and speak up when you aren't sure or have got something wrong.