Civil Engineering Apprentice Review

My days can vary widely based on the project that I am working on, most of my time is spent on technical work that is supervised by a senior member of staff. When I started with the company most of my tasks were closely monitored but I now have more autonomy and responsibility.

I have gained lots of new skills and developed even more in the time that I have been with the company, I am very lucky to have had a very diverse range of experience within the division that I work. Since I have started with the company I have learnt how to use several pieces of technical software and have also developed my soft skills significantly.

I do enjoy my programme, I started as a level 3 apprentice which made the transition to a degree apprentice much more simple. The work that I do is challenging and interesting and being able to study and work at the same time is fantastic, it is very hard work but I am very happy to be doing it.

My level 3 programme was not very well structured, having said that my time at university has been completely different. The teaching has been fantastic and all of the lecturers have been very approachable and helpful. I was worried that the step up to degree study would be difficult but I have been well supported by my work and the university.

My employer is supportive, I know that they want me to do well and they are willing to do whatever they can to make sure it happens. Sometimes it is difficult to make sure that all members of staff are kept informed at all times though which makes it difficult to balance expectations.

I have only been with the University for a few months but they have been very responsive to all of my questions and have helped where possible, we have a pretty small class and the lecturers provide very detailed feedback where possible. This has proved to be incredibly helpful and I am excited about the next few years with them.

It definitely does, a lot of the course is maths and modelling focussed which is very relevant to the work that I do. Even the things that I study that aren't directly related to my work are helpful when working towards IEng status as they provide me with a wider understanding of the industry.

Lots! Mott MacDonald is a huge company with lots of young staff, socials are regularly organised and everyone is encouraged to get involved. We also have an annual sporting event and a strong ECP (early careers professional) community that organise networking events and keep everyone informed on things that are going on.

Yes

Mott MacDonald is an employee owned company that cares about its employees, when joining I was worried that I would be forced down a very specific path but I have been allowed to make a lot of my own decisions, if you can make an argument for why you should do something, the company will almost always be supportive of this.

Be interested, the industry is very competitive and there are lots of smart people about. Being interested and excited really helps to make you stand out, having spoke to senior staff that interview potential candidates, a level background knowledge will set you apart from everyone else. Make sure that you are sincere and properly express why you want to work for the company.