Section Engineer Review

My role as Section Engineer consists of interpreting the design drawings and challenging anything that could be done differently/better especially in the design phase we are currently in. Liaise with stakeholders and other teams with regards to the works and ensuring they are planned well and carried out safely. I also manage site engineers who assist myself with day to day site activities and ensure that daily logs are kept in regards to progress and any issues that arise.

I have developed existing skills such as my communication between teams and other parties as this is key in performing my role and providing the right message to get ideas across to progress works. I have taken on more responsibilities within my role such as Temporary Works Supervisor and Street Works Supervisor, these were acquired through training courses via Costain MyLearning team, it also benefits my personal development and helps reach my goals. As I have progressed to Section Engineer, my managerial skills have improved and put me in good stead within my team.

I feel the university degree I am currently on has been and is going well. The programme content and modules provide in depth information into disciplines, some I wasn't aware of or strengthens what I already know. Alongside my experience I have gained over the years helps me progress with each module and the coursework content is met. Some modules such as Advanced Materials required team exercises to produce lab reports for our coursework, and having a mixed abilities group helps broaden everyone's understanding and knowledge levels.

Most modules are structured well however some lectures are presented to us close to the deadline which puts pressure on including everything needed to complete the coursework on time. The support on the degree apprenticeship is available if needed and when I have need support on a particular subject/coursework query, it is there and during the 2nd half the year, revision lectures and workshop classes assist with this too.

The support I get from my employer with the course I am currently on is available but is not always consistent, it would be good to have quarterly or 6 monthly reviews with my employer to discuss performance etc, this is being done by the university but again it is not being conducted on a regular basis. From my immediate team on the project I am on it is good and helpful especially with my degree and CPD elements.

As mentioned on the previous question, I have tri-partite reviews with one of the senior lecturers of the course and it is used to review performance, grades and feedback from myself on the course and uni as a whole. These are being carried out with myself and my line manager but isn't consistent and several months go by without contact.

I feel my experience on site and actually carrying out the job and the role I am in benefits me more as I put things to practice and learn from my mistakes. However the wide array of disciplines from completing the modules on the degree gives perspective of things I didn't know and also knowledge I can keep hold of and use later on in my career.

Within the team, there are socials i.e. charity events, pub socials, team building exercises/events and also events aimed at CPD progression, learning new innovative methods/ways of constructing etc. This is usually via ICE and having a student membership allows me to attend these events to broaden my knowledge and learn new things. Also colleagues on the project hold CPD sessions on specialised works/elements on the project such as tunnelling.

Yes

Costain provide learning and development opportunities which have helped me through my apprenticeship journey/route. I would recommend an apprenticeship as the amount of experience you gain is priceless and takes you far in terms of progression and understanding the role you play in Civil Engineering. I have been with Costain for nearly 7 years and I feel as an employee I have freedom to speak up and explore different discipline if possible.

I applied through The Prince's Trust which provided my the opportunity to attend the assessment day and interview, these went smoothly and found out quite quickly if was successful or not. Costain gave myself and the other apprentices a detailed introduction into the workplace and sites, a 3 day appreciation course was the first item on the agenda before stepping out into the 'real world'.