Digital Civil Engineer Apprentice Review

As a member of the BIM Team on tideway, my role consists of using CAD to create 2D, 3D and 4D drawings and models. I regularly visit site to learn and assist site teams, as well as doing immediate support drawings for imminent works. I attend weekly meetings on upcoming site works with my team and review work. I have day release once a week to attend university and work towards my degree.

Yes. When I arrived to Costain, I had limited CAD skills, only with some previous REVIT experience. Now I am competent, working on Microstation and synchro. Additionally learning work file software like projectwise and sharepoint. Working on this project also keeps me on my feet, regally developing my problem-solving skills when challenges in work occur. Additionally Costain has also given me the opportunity to attend meetings and volunteer for social events. This has helped me to further develop my previous public speaking and social skills. Continually making me a more rounded person.

I consider myself lucky to be in this position as I extremely enjoy my role at work. The people in the company are all kind, fun and supportive, along with being on an amazing project makes me excited for work everyday. I always feel that I am developing and being supported.

For the degree programme being quite new, it is very well structured. Within the first week I was given the pathway of what I will study and work on at university until my finals. Within the company it is very flexible with the pathways you want to take as you can discover what you enjoy then tailor what area of work you want to be apart of. Also with costain being on a wide variety of projects, we have the opportunity to move between jobs. I also have regular reviews with my line manager to look at my 20% off the job learning and personal skill development.

In regards to workplace development, my employer is very supportive as there are always training opportunities to learn new skills and develop new competencies. In terms of personal support, Costain is also very helpful. Giving opportunity to have paid maternity leave and days off when moving house. Additionally there are many mental, financial and personal support helplines that they make available to us if we need it. Additionally this extends to our families, joint ventures and people we work with.

My training provider is very helpful when it come to extra working resources and teaching. The lecturers always make themselves available to you and are in regular contact with email to make sure you all all the resources you need. Especially when exams are approaching. Especially with the recent COVID-19, the extra effort has been made to move teaching online so we dont miss our learning.

The qualification with my training provider, doesnt just teach me about materials, beams and columns. It also shows you how to be competent in the workplace. Having topics to teach you about legislation, and using proper grammar in your emails. Additionally there is a large push towards sustainability with I think is extremely useful for my role.

Yes, at my site we regularly go on team socials which help develop the relationships of the people you work with. In addition, the legacy team make volunteering for social events very accessible so you can help younger people have a better understanding of the industry or promote the company and yourself at networking events.

Yes

Moving from A-Levels to a professional work environment was quite daunting at first, but as soon as I joined I felt as if I was part of the team. Additionally with all the professional and social development and support I have received (highlighted previously in this questionnaire). I feel lucky to be apart of a company like costain where I feel comfortable in my day to day work and development.

The tips I can give are to be yourself and show your enthusiasm for construction and development. One common trend among all people I have met in the company, is the passion for the industry and what were working together to achieve. Additionally that everyone seems genuine and not falsely presented.