Trainee Civil Engineer Review

I currently work in Highway Maintenance, where I take part in various tasks relating to design and construction of resurfacing roads. Suchs tasks include creating technical design drawings in AutoCAD, organising and arranging permits for the works, planning diversion routes and liasing with the county council to plan the works. I am not just office based and regularly visit site, both before and during contrustion to complete surveys and gain experinece in how to manage a project. The role challenges my organisational and time management skills, whilst utilising my communication and productivity. I have a responsilinity to ensure the Health & Safety of site workers, by collating the necessary information about the location of public utility and privates assets within the work area. I work on a range of projects, from busy inner-city roads, to rural commuter routes. Each creates its own set of challenges and experiences. I have also have oppurtunities to get involved with trialling new digital solutions to capturing data and be involved in industry changing projects, using new products. Our department co-habit with our client in an open office space, which creates a unique relationship, that allows us to maximise productivity in a professional, but friendly environment. As part of the apprenticeship, I will be rotated to different teams, working on different projects, to help me gain as much experience in different areas of civil engineering as possible.

I am currently working towards a BEng in Civil Engineering at university as part of the apprenticeship. So far this has tested my maths and logic skills, as well as developing my knowledge of the construction industry. I am also working towards achieving Incorporated Engineer membership with the Institute of Civil Engineers. I have an excellent support network to help me achieve this, including other apprentices in my office and experienced engineers. I regularly use my communication skills by liaising with my collegues, the client and external parties. I have seen great improvement in public speaking too, as I help train my collegues on digital solutions through presentations and demonstrations. Within my role, I regularly take part in training in Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Sustainability, Digital Solutions, Innovative Products, Project Management, amoung other subjects. I came from a background in Science, with no previous construction knowledge, so the biggest thing I have learnt is how much time goes into designing and managing a project.

Entering the Civil Engineering industry has been the best career choice I have made. I enjoy the variety of tasks I am involved with day-to-day and the challenges the role brings. The support network in the office is amazing - I know I can ask anyone for help, whether it is work or university related. Skanska is a great company to work for; they have a desire to improve the culture of the industry, especially in improving the attitude towards Health & Safety and working towards a more sustainable industry. I am proud to say I work for Skanska because of these values and the active effort to create a better society. I genuinely feel this, not just from the top level, but within the office and on the contract I work for. So far the apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations. I knew the course would be challenging, but I have been amazed by the amount of support and genuine interest to help me achieve my goals. I am looking forward to the new experiences and new challenges that await me in my apprenticeship journey.

The pace of training is well thought out. Initally you start by shadowing and have an assigned 'buddy' and an experience mentor to show you the basics. I was then given small tasks that allowed me to learn, whether that is by using software or understanding regulation and proceedures. I started university a few weeks after starting the job. I attend lectures and tutorials every wednesday. The course is spread out over 5 years to help balance the demands on working full time and studying. I am given time within work hours to complete university works, but do have to spend some of my own, spare time studying to ensure the best quality of work. I have developed a good group of friends at university, as well as with the other apprentices in my office. I have a good working relationship with my line manager too, which is supported by regular one-to-one meetings in which we discuss my progress and how to achieve any goals set. I am delegated tasks by both my line manager, mentor and sometimes colleagues from other teams. This gives me a wide range of tasks to complete, helping me gain experience in different aspects of civil engineering. I feel like a valued and respected member of the team, despite only being in the role for a few months.

The support network within Skanska and my office is fantastic. I feel that I can go to any member of staff and they would have no issues sparing time to help me with problems at work or university. I work in a small team of around 6 people, so we have a close working relationship. The main difference I have noticed in this role is the feedback system. I get feedback on how I am performing in my one-to-one meetings (generally monthly or bi-weekly), but little feedback from elsewhere.

At university, again there is a good support network from the staff and other apprentices. There is a dedicated maths support centre on campus, which I have utilised to help get me up to speed with the maths content. The lecturers are also very willing to help with any academic queries, both in lecture/tutorials and via email.

As I have learnt more about construction and engineering at university, I have been able to apply this knowledge in my day-to-day role. I am also able to understand a lot more of the techincal details, especially when they are being discussed during meetings. The biggest difference I have seen is in my ability to spot potential issues, especially health & safety issues, that I may previously not have noticed.

Our office always try to be inclusive and regularly get involved in running events, baking, and socialising. Due to our office being quite small, there aren't many team sporting opportunities, however. Skanska do provide one paid day per year to volunteer with a charitable organisation. As an apprentice, I have attended events dedicated to helping trainees, graduates and apprentices network with each other and learn more about the company and the industry. They even hold an awards for trainees who have progressed beyond expectations.

Yes

As a company Skanska are very invested in their values and working towards a better society for all. This is something I feel in the work we do and the efforts made to achieve goals in sustainability. It is the friendliest environment I have worked in too! I feel that I am being challenged well and being given ample opportunites to work towards professional membership and achieving a degree in civil engineering.

The application process might seem scary at first, but the staff are very good at making you feel welcome and relaxed. They really want everyone to do well and genuinely want to do whatever they can to help you do progress. There are some many different opportunites at Skanska, that it is would be impossible to accept them all, but you should definitely make the most of as many of them as you can manage.