Civil Apprentice Review

I currently work within the Water Division as a Hydraulic Modeller, working on model networks with the aim to prevent flooding and improve water quality, as well as accessing water levels in watercourses. This is to help clients carry out studies of their own on these model networks, meaning that they must be to a high standard.

I am learning a lot about watercourses, and how sewerage systems work. I did not have any previous knowledge of watercourses and hydraulic models so any new project that I work on is new to me. I am also improving my Microsoft Excel skills with the help of those around me, which allows me to analyse these model networks more thoroughly.

I enjoy my programme as it allows me to gain different experiences to anything I have had before. Although I had already completed a Level 3 Engineering course, this programme is very specific to construction. Although I do not work in the construction industry, it gives me a different perspective on things, while also learning skills on the course which I didn't have previously.

This programme meets my preferences as it gives me the responsibility to do college work during college time, learning on my own and asking lecturers when I do not understand something. This is the method of learning that I prefer. This programme also gives me the chance to learn from others at work, which I believe is vital by being in the workplace for most days of a week.

When working, I receive excellent support with regards to work as they understand that I have very little technical knowledge. So whenever I have questions regarding anything help is always provided which gives me more confidence when carrying out work. They also say that if I need any help with college work they are always available, although I haven't needed to do this yet.

While completing a Level 3 qualification, I am also completing a NVQ which requires me to collect evidence from the workplace to help meet the criteria outlined in the NVQ. My employers helps me here when I am unsure of what a criteria means, or what evidence I may need for this criteria.

Although my qualification is helping me to learn more about Civil Engineering, I do not feel that it is helping me in my current job role, due to the fact that my job role is so niche that I would need to go on specialist courses to help improve my knowledge. Other than that, I rely on those around me in the workplace to help improve my knowledge.

There are sports and social meetings monthly which I plan to get involved in, while each year there is a company sports day, in which people from each office around the country come together for a weekend to play different sports, which I also intend to get involved in this year.

Yes

I can see Mott MacDonald are a company who are willing to invest in my, allowing me to complete many qualifications, up to degree level and then to complete my Chartership which has always been my aim as I want to be as successful as possible. Therefore I would recommend Mott MacDonald to a friend.

Provide a detailed CV when applying for the job, best describing your strengths as there will be many others who will be applying for the role. Before the interview stage, make sure you research your potential job role, and some projects that the company are carrying out to prove that you're conscientious.