Civil Engineering Degree Level Apprentice Review

A range of tasks involving structural analysis of models/drawings, report writing, sketching and calculations. Structural analysis includes Building Information Modelling such as Revit and AutoCAD and Structural Designers such as Tekla and Robot. Analysing these models can be a simple load check/verification or designing members to pass required standards and codes (BS, Eurocodes). Once a week I am at University working toward my degree in Civil Engineering. Alongside this, my workplace offers workshops and training events that are relevant to Off-the-job (OTJ) training required legally through the apprenticeship scheme.

The two main skills I have learnt are using structural software effectively and good practice in hand-sketching and hand-calculations. One of the existing skills I have developed is professional communication in the form of emails, presentations, meetings and calls. Mott MacDonald have many friendly and professional employees who lead the way in good communication and my colleagues are no exception. Their positive influence has become most evident as my skills in report writing have grown incredibly.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme in nearly every aspect. I enjoy my job and the people I work with and I am learning so much every day. This excites me and makes me feel like someone with purpose and drive. Although I am only at University weekly, I look forward to the lectures and am keen to practice what I learn. It is so good to be passionate about both work and study and they complement one another brilliantly. The balance is perfect for me and I feel challenged but rarely stressed.

The programme has been well thought out and put together. The company's expectations are plain and simple and there is a lot of support for apprentices and early career professionals. The team have made entering the programme smooth and simple and the career path has been explained clearly. I will be attending university alongside work for 5 years to complete my BEng in Civil Engineering. All the while, keeping a deliberate record of my learning for the purpose of achieving Incorporated Engineer Status with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Several layers of support are available to me as an apprentice at Mott MacDonald. Every member of my team is friendly and supportive and help with almost anything they can. My line manager is constantly available for engineering and ad-hoc questions and we have a monthly one-to-one in place for every team member. There are other apprentices in my office which means there is opportunity for equal-level interaction about work, education and even social topics. Above this, the 'Early Career' Advisers and 'Learning & Development' Team are dedicated to organising workshops and training for all apprentices and have regular events, including residentials, for networking, learning and goal setting as part of the apprentice programme.

The lecturers at University of Portsmouth are highly dedicated and helpful individuals, especially to those passionate about learning and studying. The University also have Academic Tutors who run drop-in sessions for those needing help with Math or Engineering Analysis. Similarly, there is a universal Maths Café available on a drop-in basis. In addition, the Degree Apprentices at University have extra Tutorial session every week to go over the Engineering Analysis module and a monthly session to discuss concerns or struggles with the designated overseer for apprentices.

As a given, my studies at university are building my understanding of engineering and will directly affect my role in the workplace. But in general, I gain a lot more practical and theoretical knowledge during work than I do on a University day. This is because of the number of avid, experienced engineers surrounding me who are happy to give me their time and expertise whenever I need. However, the break from the office every week is refreshing and allows me to find much needed headspace as well as experience a different pace. This balance keeps me fresh and to me, is invaluable.

There is a myriad of activities, events and sports teams within Mott MacDonald, suited to different persons and lifestyles. Most of them are either lunch break or weekend events. My chosen commitments at the moment are office quizzes, football games and team socials. As part of my Apprentice programme, there is a weekend residential in April designed as a face-to-face workshop for all Apprentices.

Yes

I would recommend Mott MacDonald as a great company to work for simply due to the character and individuality of the people I have met thus far. It appears that Mott MacDonald's recruitment process is honed to find exactly the right kind of people with the right kind of mindsets that encourage growth and teamwork, while still leaving room for personalities and preferences. They also have and uphold an exceptional Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) policy. There are also many exciting and interesting projects as can be expected from a larger firm; Many opportunities are available for apprentices to be involved in new and high-profile work.

Just be yourself. The best bit about the job is the people and everything else falls wonderfully in place if you can be honest, sincere and engaged with your colleagues. Also, find a passion. Be excited about something. Anything. People will be drawn to your passion. Knowledge can be taught, but passion is the drive to learn.