Undergraduate Engineer Review

I work on a contract that involves improving public realm spaces within Westminster. Day to day I mostly undertake design work on these schemes using AutoCAD. I also manage a few small schemes which includes managing the finances, commissioning surveys, managing C3s, interacting with the client and third parties and sending permits.

I have learnt lots of new skills since staring work that I did not have before and I have learnt so much about this industry that I didn't previously know. I have learnt mostly design skills using CAD and management skills due to my experience in managing some schemes.

I enjoy some aspects of the programme such as the dosing work I do in the office. I dont enjoy the project management side of the work as this I tend to struggle with more. In terms if uni, I think the apprenticeship is quite unorganised and the uni often dont provide us with key information which affects us later on.

Not organised at all. The uni often fail to provide efficient support and don't give out key information which affects us at the later stages of the apprenticeship. It is then made out to be our fault when we haven't completed things in the way that they are expecting

The employer provides adequate support if you reach out and ask for it. In general, my line managers have been good about helping out when it is needed and providing support. The apprenticeship team are always willing to help on any problems that you might as best as they can, even if you just need advice.

I have found the uni to be quite lacking in the support they provide. Some of the lecturers are good at providing support if you need it however some of them are not. A few of my lecturers don't take well when you ask them questions and their responses to emails are flimsy at best. In terms of general support, I wasn't even aware that we had a personal tutor until recently and the amount of support we get regarding off the job training/KSBs/one file requirements is questionable.

The uni modules which I have found to be useful to my day to day job are the CAD and other design based modules. The other modules have no affected my job at all as they don't relate to what I'm doing. In year 5 there is a module that could affect my work so this might be useful.

There are a few things to get involved in. There is the PGN (people's engagement network) which host events and webinars, there is an LGBT support network and also lots of yammer groups to join. In non-covid times there are a few social events every year which are organised for those in London offices.

Yes

Overall I think WSP is a good place to do an apprenticeship due to the support from the apprenticeship and the exposure and experience you get from the day job. As an apprentice, the amount of benefits are good and the networking opportunities are very useful for careers and future connections.

Use all possible experience no matter how small it might be as this can be useful. Make sure you understand what the apprenticeship is and the job roles and that this is something that you want to do. Ask lots of questions on interview day and beforehand to get as much information as you can.