Civil Engineering Apprentice Review

As an apprentice i undertook a 3 month block release in Leeds (prior to my site placement). After the 3 months, i was placed on site in West London; where no day has been the same since. Some days i will be setting out and surveying, others i will be writing up work package plans, task briefings and method statements. On a day to day basis, i can go out on site whenever i want!

I have learnt new skills, as well as expanding my previous knowledge when it came to setting out and using a Total station. I learnt more about the equipment i would use day-to-day, including reference lines, creating and importing new jobs, to the use of prisms and the laser beam. Another skill i have developed is my confidence- being in a new environment with new people, i have definitely come out of my shell and can now approach new people if needed.

So far i am enjoying my apprenticeship programme more than i thought i would. I have no regrets choosing this route so far. I feel like within a month of being on site, i have gained so much experience and knowledge that i don't think i would've learnt having not been on site. Living away (for the block release) was also a good experience to endure

From the assessment centre to being with the company for 5 months, i can see the amount of work, planning and time that goes into the programme. From mentoring schemes, to talks from people in the company, to the amount of support we receive while at college and also during our site placement. I can honestly say that if i ever have a problem or query i wont have any issues finding out and/or resolving it.

As mentioned in the previous question, the other apprentices and I receive support in all aspects- health (with health insurance), to regular visits from the apprenticeship team and other workers in the company. While at college and on site we are receiving support- all to make us feel comfortable and settled. Lets not forget the HR/Finance team and their responses to expenses and holiday bookings !

Leeds College of Building understand the pressures of an intense college block, they try to give as much support as possible. Some tutors go the extra mile by helping via e-mail and providing feedback on class work. Other tutors simply gave feedback on assignments with little help given, Overall, the tutors who went the extra mile made up for the others

The Level 3 Subsidiary diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, i think helped me be more prepared for the industry i was about to enter into. The units within the particular qualification showcased different aspects of construction, not just the health and safety aspect but surveying, sustainability and more. I gained more knowledge on what the construction industry is like.

Not really, the hours of my site placement are from 8-5, thus it doesn't leave much time for activities after. So far into my site placement (1.5 months) there have been 'leaving drinks' after work, and a raffle after Christmas. Maybe in the future there will be more. When on the college block we had a lot of activities to do, with other years (apprentices) and BAM workers

Yes

BAM is a well-known company, known for its multiple sectors of work. They offer so many opportunities to start with, as well as career progression throughout your employment. I think they're a great company that try meet everyone's needs, and ensure a happy workforce. I know that BAM do the best they can for apprentices, so i assume they do for all their employees

My advice would be to be yourself, because when your are comfortable that is when you showcase yourself and your qualities better. The assessment day its for them to get to know you as a person, so yes- make sure you have knowledge of the company and what they do, but also be yourself, be relaxed and treat it like a conversation with a friend. If you don't know what path you want to go down yet (QS or Civil) that's not a problem as they are flexible too and understand not everyone knows for sure yet.