BIM Technician Review

I am based on a Highways England project where we are constructing a bridge. My role involves using various types of software to develop temporary works designs; assisting engineers with site issues such as potential clashes; creating 4D models which allow us to visualise the construction sequence of certain scheme elements and managing the collation of all of the data related to the newly built assets.

Throughout my time in the industry i have always loved Computer Aided Design (CAD) and have enjoyed using various pieces of software. I have had the chance to develop my existing CAD knowledge and Costain have been very keen in providing me with training to learn new CAD skills. I have focussed on learning three and four dimensional CAD skills since joining Costain and have undertaken many courses related to software such as Civil 3D, Revit, Navisworks and Synchro. Whilst working on site i also have the opportunity to shadow our site engineers and gain some experience out on site, learning how construction activities are managed and seeing how things are built.

I love the Degree Apprenticeship as it allows me to further develop my Civil Engineering experience working on a live construction site and also developing my theoretical knowledge at University. University offer a good range of assessment methods which i enjoy allowing for experience in labs testing construction materials and visualising hydraulics principles. Also the Degree Apprenticeship includes completion of the IEng qualification which demonstrates engineering competency. I really enjoy all aspects of the Degree Apprenticeship.

The programme is structured very well, University are very good at planning their lectures, assessments, labs etc... you always know where you are expected to be, what you will be learning on a particular day and all learning material is easily accessible on the student intranet. i have a training agreement with Costain which is aimed at completing the IEng qualification. This is structured in line with the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) requirements for IEng and it is very clear what is expected of me. University also arrange lectures regarding the IEng qualification so there is a lot of focus on getting it completed. Overall the Degree Apprenticeship is structured very well.

Costain provide me with a fantastic amount of support not only in relation to my Apprenticeship but in general. For examinations/assessments i can claim up to 5 study leave days per year which is a great help preparing for exams or completing coursework. Within my first year i completed 8 CAD courses and an abundance of health and safety related courses. Costain are very keen on providing training which has greatly helped me in the workplace. The IEng is an experience based qualification and Costain are great at allowing me to shadow my colleagues to allow me to gain experience in areas which i wouldn't usually get in my normal job role. Overall, the support from Costain is fantastic, they are very committed to developing their staff.

University is much more independent than previous qualifications i have undertaken at College however, the help is always there if required. All lecturers are easily contactable and post all of their teaching material online to allow you to go back through things at a later date. The student intranet is full of helpful learning material, past exam papers, tutorial questions which all help massively towards passing units. You are expected to be more independent at University and everything you need to succeed is provided to you but the staff are great at assisting with technical queries, marking of past papers/tutorial questions etc...

Developing my knowledge at degree level has helped massively in the workplace. Developing technical knowledge at University helps in understanding why and how we do certain things in the industry and makes you more aware of the reasons why things are built the way they are. For example, learning how to undertake materials tests during our highway engineering module has assisted me in developing my materials knowledge and i now have a greater understanding of why certain materials are favoured in highway construction.

I am currently living away from home for work ( I work in Sunderland and live in Leeds) as are many of my colleagues so Costain are very good at creating socialising opportunities whilst we are away from our families. Every Monday we play a 9-aside football game and we even have darts, pool and table tennis tournaments in the office to give people a break from their busy schedules. We have a social committee who organise a big social event for all site staff once a month, examples of activities we’ve done In the year ive been on site include go karting, ghetto golf, team curries, premier league darts, nights out in Newcastle and much more! As well as the company organised social events i’ve made some great friends working away from home who are always keen on socialising after work whether that be playing golf or going to the pub for a few drinks.

Yes

They are a massive company working on an abundance of amazing projects nationwide who give you great opportunities to challenge yourself and learn new skills. They also are great at providing training and are keen to develop their staff academically. Also, they are committed to helping us working away from our families by organising lots of social events.

I would advise anyone who is thinking about applying to have a look at Costains website and look at some examples of the amazing projects the company has been involved in and look at the ones we have to come! If you like to challenge yourself, enjoy learning every day and are committed to developing your skills and knowledge i would say Costain is the perfect place for you.