Civil Engineer Apprentice Review

Currently i am assisting with Gantries and drainage on the M23 smart motorway project. I deal with the quality of the gantries so looking at check sheets and drawings to make sure they have been built to the specification. I also shadow setting out and taing as-builts in drainage.

Before starting i didn't know anything when it comes to civil engineering but now i know the general aspects that go into building a smart motorway. I also have developed my knowledge of drainage to specific details. I have learnt how to use a GPS which is an important instrament in civils.

Everyday is a new challenge as new problems arise and i really enjoy working around the problem and creating a solution. My colleagues are really friendly and are always available when i have a question or need support.

Out of our five day week, i travel to Basingstoke to learn Construction in the built environment course. I also get 4 hours on a tuesday to complete coursework that has been set the previous week. The other days change with the job so every day is different.

My Works manager is always very busy but he makes time to see how im doing and set me new tasks to develop my skills. We have had meetings discussing how i am doing and what i shoukd expect coming up.

We are given 4 hours a week to complete coursework which is enough time to complete assaignments we have been set and allows us to balance work and college.

The construction in the built environment course tackles aspects such as housing structures which isn't specific to highways however the foundations and principles are transferable. Towards the end of the course we are given a choice of topics and this is where i can choose a very specific area which will help me as a civil engineer.

So far i have attended two christmas parties that have both been great fun! There have also been other networking events like paintballing and doncaster activity week which unfortunately i did not take part in. However there are many activities around the workplace that you can get involved in like depots in bloom which different areas of the office competed with our gardening skills. Also there are often cake sales which raise money for charities.

Yes

Because the work is challenging but fun. I am ecited to come to work every day because there is always a chance to learn and develop my skills as an engineer. The job itself combines office skills such as spreadsheets and practical skills like surveying. The office is a fun yet practical space and is a nice place to work in.

Do a bit of research into what area of Kier you think you'd be best suited to. I would advise anyone who likes the balance of an office and the outdoors to engineering. Mke sure any questions you have are voiced so you can negotiate the best package for yourselves. When employed just throw yourselves in and take every oppertunity to learn while the support is there.