Civil Engineer Degree Apprentice Review

Initially was purely in a CAD technician role, doing 2D models and drawings for geotechnics, drainage and highways design. I used AutoCAD daily. Now, I use Civil 3D, MicroDrainage and Bentley design software to do Civil Drainage design, highway alignments design and various utilities design work in both 2D and 3D. Sometimes I would write up technical reports and be involved in the Civil design process that way.

I have learnt how to use computer software for design quite effectively in 2D, such as MicroDrainage for preliminary surface water drainage design. I have developed my AutoCAD skills to a competent 2D draughtsman capability. I have developed BIM process skills in using workflow software such as ProjectWise. I have overall developed a lot of skills on the computer for technical design work, but would like to be more involved in building project & cost related skills, such as management and creating budgets.

I enjoy it a lot as I have delved deep into the role of a CAD technician and briefly on the surface for a Civil Engineer in the Highways & drainage discipline. I would like my programme to be a little more structured in that I have a certain amount of allocated time in another discipline, such as Structures, or even Project Management, however as I am now in the 3rd year of my Degree Apprenticeship I have a clearer image of getting that kind of experience later on in this year & in the latter years (4 & 5) to work on my IEng qualification.

Not very structured, I am somewhat thrown around as a CAD technician resource because I am quick and cost-effective at my job. I would've liked to have been given a certain amount of allocated time in other disciplines to develop skills elsewhere. There was a lack of direction for how I was going to develop a plan to work towards my IEng in the first few years, but I am slowly picking up the pace now with more experience to fill out my attributes. It would've been beneficial to lay out a plan much more earlier on so I'd have more time to develop my ICE attributes for IEng qualification for the ICE.

Just enough. I get more than enough support to carry out my University work, but sometimes I feel like there wasn't enough for help working towards my IEng qualification. There are occasions where a representative from the ICE would come in and guide us, but that is quarterly at most and is more symbolic than hands on. In my office, there are no other apprentices but me, so I have to keep in touch online with my peers at University and other offices around the country, such that when I need help with working towards my qualification, I speak to those people first. Although, my managers do help when I reach out to ask for help in the form of regular contact and advise, but it would help if a scheme was set in place that they followed initially and was structured such that it was monthly / bi-monthly from the very beginning.

A fair bit. Because I am a part-time student, I go to University once every 3 months for 1 week straight. That is the only face-to-face discussion I have with my professors. Other than that, you'd have to reach out via email, which depending on the professor, is a dice roll chance if you get a response. Again, there can be plenty of resources available, such as past-papers, questions and further reading on the University's website, however this depends on the professor. Overall, I am pleased with the amount of support. Since Covid started, lessons were purely online through Microsoft Teams and occurs once a week. Communication with the professors has been easier as they are accessible by calling & dropping a message.

It will allow me to take charge on the design process for some projects, having proven that I have had experience by working towards my qualification. I would have hopefully moved on from my daily role as a CAD technician now to be more hands on design. I am slowly starting to see how the theory I learn at University is being used at work at times, so I am optimistic that I will perform better with even more experience when I get my qualification.

There are various social clubs and professional groups. There is an annual sports event and plenty of professional networking events. The company is also happy to cover travel expenses for these. There could ideally be more and more often, as they're usually once or twice a year.

Yes

There are plenty of opportunities for developing skills on different projects - which develop different skills for Civil Engineers. Transport, Civils, Highways, Structures, Project Management. They also entail working with people globally, so there are networking opportunities and gaining experience with different cultures & design standards.

Get involved in the Early Careers Professionals technical & social groups, as they will help you network with people similar to you, and is great for introducing yourself and working relationships.