Degree Level Civil Engineering Apprentice Review

My role mainly consists of working on CAD to develop drawings and models (2D and 3D) for a confidential railway project alongside interfacing with a number of departments. I have also had opportunities to help bid for projects, produce reports, work with other departments and conduct school visits.

-CAD skills -Communication with colleagues, schools, other departments, management -Health and Safety knowledge and management of risks/non-compliances when designing, when within the office and when on site -Management and leadership -Independent judgement and responsibility -Technical and practical application of engineering -Knowledge and understanding of engineering -Time management -Presentation skills

Within my apprenticeship I have developed my ability and confidence with the CAD software, attended several school visits, increased my knowledge and understanding of the rail industry, gained a number of professional networks, passed my first year at university and have acquired the extra responsibility of organising work experience in the office. Reflecting on the past year, I can confidently say that I thoroughly enjoy my job, working on some interesting projects whilst learning some cool and insightful things along the way. From the position I was in a year ago, I have developed my confidence, knowledge and ability as an engineer immensely and look forward for the years to come as an apprentice and beyond.

I can confidently say that the programme is well structured. I have regular meetings with my line manager and mentor to discuss my development of skills, annual objectives and progress for the relevant ICE attributes. Training wise, I receive around a days worth each week consisting of university lectures, railway engineering webinars and webinars discussing vital work life skills such as how to improve time management. In terms of project work, over the course of my apprenticeship I have received a variety of work to help better my overall performance as an engineer i.e. from CAD to calculations, reports to presentations.

I have regular meetings with my line manager and mentor to discuss my development of skills, annual objectives and progress for the relevant ICE attributes. In the eventuality I need help or advice upon work towards ICE, or a project, or something else, there is always someone to talk to and receive that help - often rather immediate responses too. My colleagues and management are quite positive, encouraging and passionate not only for the work they produce and the project, but also wish for myself to excel too.

I receive 4 hours of lectures on zoom calls each week, with additional support from recorded videos to help better my understanding of the content. Responses to emails and feedback on work is relatively quick from lecturers. Tasks such as exam style questions and reading materials help challenge our existing knowledge.

The content so far from my university lectures helps provide me with a basic understanding of a variety of aspects to engineering i.e. geotechnical, CAD, surveying, structures and materials. On a few occasions, what I have learnt within a lecture has helped my understanding of elements of a project I have been working on within the office - such as ground investigation techniques to survey and sample the soil on a site.

Before we started working from home, there were sports held nearly everyday of the week at lunch times if you wished to attend, including 5-a-side football, netball and running. Also, once a month, there is a 'essay club' to help individuals with their preparedness for their end point assessment for chartership. Additionally, there are opportunities to help organise and host school visits and work experience too.

Yes

From my experience, Mott MacDonald is a friendly, diverse, and enthusiastic place to work with colleagues who are passionate about their work, generously give support to others, and are well organised and knowledgeful.

My advice for the interview would be to stay relaxed and be confident in yourself and your potential. Take an interest into what Mott MacDonald are currently working on/have worked on as well as the wider industry to show that passion and intrigue. In terms of opportunities, no matter what arises, ALWAYS consider it - you never know what that could lead to!