Transport Planning Technician Review

My role is a Transport Planning Technician, so I provide assistance on projects wherever I can. For instance, one project may require me to stay in the office and produce drawings whereas another project will need to me to go out on site and record observations. This means that I have the opportunity to work on many different projects, which allows me to experience many different aspects of being a transport planner. Working with others is also a big part as you have to work closely with colleagues in your office or others based around the UK. My responsibilities require me to arrive on work on time and complete work on projects to a high standard and ensure that it is completed on or before the deadline.

I have received training and experience using software packages such as AutoCAD and Civils 3D, as well as transport modelling software such as LinSig and Junctions 9. This is through attending training sessions provided by the company, as well as those offered by external training providers. All of this was paid for by the company. I then used the knowledge that I have learnt at these training sessions and applied them to the projects that I have been working on, in order to increase experiences and further my knowledge.

I enjoy the program a lot. The work that I am doing is interesting, and because I work on various projects it never seems dull or repetitive which means that I am learning something new every day. The team that I work with have really welcomed me and made me feel comfortable working here. It is important to not work on the same thing every day, as repetitiveness can cause boredom, which can lead to complacency, and then mistakes.

The programme structure is simple and is made very clear in terms of progression after the apprenticeship. Both the company and training providers inductions clearly show what the apprenticeship is going to be like, what is required of me, and what opportunities I will have after the apprenticeship is over. This is important information as in most cases, apprentices and other junior level employees are usually forgotten about and neglected, meaning that they are unsure of what their career is going to look like, what they should be aiming for in both the short-term and long term, and how to achieve the goals they have set themselves.

When working, my manager provides me with the work. When I am undertaking a new task, he will let me get on with it first and see if I can I can do it myself and will then show and explain the task and how to do it correctly. The HR team are helpful as they contact you occasionally, to see if everything is going well. Overall, I am certain that my employer wants me to do well as the level of support I receive from them will ensure that that is the case. As mentioned before, the company encourages further training and is willing to pay for training sessions, as well as external qualifications with professional boards such as the ICE. A good employer will make opportunities for further training, CPD, and other professional qualifications.

My training provider comes into my work place once every month to discuss how things are going at the office. We talk about if I have any problems, have I had any issues with anything in the workplace and what is happening at college. They also review work that I do for my NVQ and are supportive. They help me understand what my next steps are, what I should be aiming for, and how to be a more effective employee by taking the initiative to do certain things to impress my colleagues and those around me, eventually making an impression on senior staff in order to progress through the company.

The qualification helps you perform better in many ways. Firstly the course provides with you with relevant technical knowledge that you would need in order to be effective at your role. This is hard to come by if your work isn't working on certain projects that can allow you to experience this. Your qualification also prepares you for things that are to come, which can allow you to already have prior knowledge of certain tasks before you have to work on them Another thing is that it provides you with a deeper understanding of the industry, why things are the way they are, and why certain processes and procedure have been put into place.

The company has many events which all employees can attend, such as the sports day which is being held in Leeds this year. The office has a sports and social team which organize events for all of the office, such as pay day meals and other team building activities such as escape rooms. There are also sports clubs which employees can join.

Yes

I would recommend Mott MacDonald for various reasons. In terms of progression the company has many opportunities for its employees which I plan to take grasp of in the future. It has offices all around the world and many different sectors in which it operates in. I have only been here for 5 months but I have felt very welcomed and in terms of work, I feel I have been utilised and have learnt many things which will help me both during work, and in the real world.

The advice that I would give to people who are interested in applying is to be themselves. Ensure that you learn as much about the company and the sector that you will be working in before the interview. It is really helpful if you have some experience in something relating to engineering. It is also useful if you have achievements which show that you have been proactive and that you have a willingness to learn new things. Schemes like Duke of Edinburgh Award and NCS help a lot and talk about these in the interview. Most of all, good luck!