Civil Apprentice Review

Job role includes, producing drawing on AutoCad, amending construction drawings, checking calculations, taking part in aspects of highway/drainage design, producing visualisations using 3-D modelling software and producing engineering reports. Projects that I work on range from Train stations and large motorway and road improvement schemes, town improvement schemes etc.

I have learnt may new skills since joining Mott MacDonald as an apprentice, firstly my communication and written skills have very much improved so has my ability to work as member of a team. I have also learnt how to use many different software package including Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Infraworks.

Overall I would say that the programme is enjoyable, my work is very varied as I have been rotated through a variety of teams and disciplines. The company culture is very positive, with a sports and social team which organises many different events so that employees can enjoy themselves in a more relaxed environment after a working day.

Generally the programme scores above average on structure, their was not a formal apprentice induction which would have been beneficial, however you are given access to many training resources and support from mentors and your line manager so that you can raise any concerns that you have regarding the course.

I was assigned a mentor when I first joined the company. This will usually be a graduate who is in the same team as yourself. My manger is very supportive and provides me with a lot of guidance and he is approachable enough for me to raise any concerns that I have.

My NVQ assessor gave me a lot of support when I first joined, helping me to adjust to the course structure and clearly explain the steps to the programme, he has also provided me with some good career advice with regards to where I can take my career in the future, he is also very good at preparing me for the EngTech qualification which I hope to sit in the near future.

The NVQ qualification very much helps you with regards to job performance as it teaches communication, written skills and how to explain technical matters in a clear and concise way, the BTEC qualification is good but in my opinion less beneficial in improving job performance than the NVQ qualification as it is all classroom based with very little practical work.

Yes the company have a sports and social team which provide a variety of social events that you can attend throughout the year, this has included weekly football, an annual sports day event, bowling, meals, pantomimes, cricket games, walking tours, pub quiz, ice hockey, golf, snowdome visits and many more.

Yes

Good Company Culture. Great career advancement opportunities. Good environment. Helpful management and HR. Good variety of work. sports and social activities. Flexible. Comfortable offices. They will very much support you with education and gaining qualifications. 2 day apprentice event . They are always trying to find ways to improve the apprentice experience.

Prepare well for the interview, if you need to complete the Maths of Science tests always aim to complete the paper and do not leave any questions without answers - stay until the end, if you are required to present be confident and do not be afraid to bring some prompts or notes to help you. At the end of the interview ask some questions, this shows the interviewer that you are enthusiastic and really interested in the job role.