Project Controls Apprentice Review

My daily role consists of multiple different roles. My apprenticeship is based around me working in a few disciplines within Project Controls, one of the areas i am currently working in is the planning side of the job which means that i get involved with both engineering and construction. This experience i feel is a major part in my development.

I think that from leaving school it gives you the very basic level of IT knowledge, but since working in this industry i have picked up so many skills within the 3 1/2 years working. I think that one of my key skills is my ability with excel and other programmes such as Primavera P6, two key softwares that i use on a daily basis.

I think that the programme i am currently working through is perfect for me. It has all aspects of Project Controls built in, the qualification i am currently working towards is a level 3 in project controls (QCF Diploma) I really enjoy the fact i can get out on site and see things happening live. It really does make my development progress!

I think that from start to nearly finish the programme has been very well structured, there have been a few minor hiccups along the way but that is something that your always going to have. I am lucky really to have such a great L&D team that put the apprenticeship programme into practise and make it fit to the individual. My plan was to do 2 years at a training college with T2000 then go on to complete my QCF whilst being office based full time.

More than enough! The biggest amount of support comes from my line manager, he has always made sure that things are going okay and running smoothly on my course. Also been there if I had any personal issues too, don't think I would enjoy work as much if I didn't have the support of my team around me. I think that the L&D team are also great, holding meetings to check progress with the apprentices was a great idea, makes me feel part of something great!

When I was at the college full time, the support from the T2000 staff was great. Considering I was living away from home and working whilst trying to live on my own at the age of 16, the staff really did help, they made sure that the accommodation that we were staying in was suitable and up to standard. Also in regards to my qualifications, they were very supportive in making sure that I completed my work to the highest standard possible, in the end, I achieved a Double Distinction!

Personally, I think that the training provider was there for me to gain a key understanding of the craft industry. It did just that, I learnt about CNC, CAD, milling machines, lathes and many more other exciting activities/topics. Having this knowledge about how things are designed and made is key in the engineering world and really did improve my skills and knowledge base.

There are many events that I try to attend throughout the year, Awards nights, charity dinners, fundraising etc. I think that these kind of events are perfect for expanding my network and getting my name out there! I always meet someone new from Costain and always end up talking about how good apprenticeships are. The networking side of my job is key for my future development, I have met a lot of amazing and inspiring people throughout my time here, it has been brilliant!

Yes

Costain is not only a business, but it is also a family. We all work together on a daily basis, all trying to achieve a goal! The people that work here are so supportive and I personally could not ask for a better bunch of colleagues! I think that from my time here I have learnt a lot... not only about myself but life. Coming out of school and going straight into a business like this can be scary, however, Costain has been fantastic!

Never underestimate yourself. Always have a goal, and when you've reached that goal create a new one! I think that one of the most important things in life is to enjoy it and live it to the max! I came in for my interview thinking that I wasn't likely to get the opportunity... but fortunately, I got the job! I was never an A* student but I have the drive to do anything I put my mind to! Always try your hardest and you'll get far in life.