Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

A range of tasks involving structural analysis of models/drawings, report writing, sketching and calculations. I am always in communication with those in and out of my team, gathering information for work tasks and learning about the engineering processes along the way. Modelling involves using structural software such as Tekla and Robot. Analysing these models and designing structural elements to pass required standards and codes (British Standards, Eurocodes). Once a week I am at University working toward my degree in Civil Engineering. Alongside this, my workplace offers workshops and training events that are relevant to Off-the-job (OTJ) training required legally through the apprenticeship scheme.

I have both learnt new skills and developed existing skills. I have gained a lot of technical knowledge in structural engineering and can perform software analysis and hand-calculations effectively. This is constantly growing and developing. Another newer skill I am developing is collaborating more with other colleagues. Mott MacDonald have many friendly and professional employees who lead the way in good communication and my colleagues are no exception. Rather than carrying out tasks on my own, I am learning there is a strength in gathering perspective from others, especially those more senior.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme! I enjoy my everyday work tasks and the people I work with. I am learning so much every day and this excites me and gives me purpose and drive. Although I am only at University weekly, I look forward to the lectures and am keen to practice what I learn. It is so brilliant to be diving into both work and study and they complement one another brilliantly. The programme is challenging but equally, it is incredibly rewarding.

The company’s standard induction and training is world-class and as and there is a lot of support for apprentices and early career professionals. The team have made entering the programme smooth and simple and the career path has been explained clearly. I have also been provided with mentoring and and a clear workflow which is really helpful. I would suggest implementing more ICE guidance and goals at an earlier stage, but, as the first apprentice to be hired in this division, I believe they have done remarkably well and the programme is very well organised.

As an apprentice at Mott MacDonald, I have a few avenues of support. My main support system is a team of friendly and supportive engineers and my line manager, who is constantly available for engineering questions and personal chats if needed. The company provided a apprenticeship development programme which contains modules on topics like growth, support and adaptability. These are regular events for networking, learning and goal setting as part of the apprentice programme. I also have communication with other apprentices across the company which is great for socials and discussion about the apprenticeship programme.

The lecturers at University of Portsmouth are helpful and professional individuals, making the distance learning and lockdown challenges much easier. The University also have Academic Tutors/Maths Café who run bookable sessions for those needing help with Math or Engineering Analysis. In addition, the Degree Apprentices at University have extra timetabled sessions every week to go over the modules, professional qualifications and learning progress. Overall, I enjoy studying here and am excited about the next few years!

I work in a Structural Engineering team and I am studying Civil Engineering. Some of the modules are not directly relevant but the methods and maths practice help improve my performance in hand calculations and presentation at work. The structural module at university has really helped me embrace more responsibility at work as I have more fundamental knowledge and practice in this topic. In addition, the break from the office every week is refreshing and allows me to find needed headspace as well as experience a different pace. This balance keeps me fresh and engaged and is invaluable to me. However, I gain more of my practical and theoretical knowledge at work than I do on a University day. This is thanks to avid and experienced engineers surrounding me who are happy to give me their time and expertise whenever I need.

There are a lot of events and sports teams within Mott MacDonald, suited to different persons and lifestyles. Most of them are either lunch break or weekend events. However, with lockdown these have taken a back-seat to make room for more virtual socials and office quizzes. As part of my Apprentice programme, there are virtual Zoom modules and group tasks to help us develop and network. In addition, I have taken on external engagement with forums such as The Job Crowd, What Career Live and National Apprentice Week doing Q&A and presentations to encourage new apprentices.

Yes

I would recommend Mott MacDonald as a great company to work for on two counts: 1. The character and commitment of the people I have met thus far. It appears to me that Mott MacDonald really takes care to recruit the right kind of people for the job roles and the teams they will be in. There is plenty of room for personalities and preferences and they uphold an exceptional Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) policy. 2. The benefits and experience of a world-class group. Mott MacDonald provide a competitive salary and apprentice programme with plenty of pay benefits and support for development. The apprenticeship scheme allows me to get so much out of work and university and will be a massive reward when I have completed it. There are also many exciting and interesting projects as can be expected from a larger firm; Many opportunities are available for apprentices to be involved in new and high-profile work so there is never a dull moment.

Do your research, find out if it is right for you first. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be your honest self. Engage with the company and don't give up, these things take time. Also, find a passion. Be excited about what you do and what you want to do/learn. Technical knowledge can be further taught, but your passion and engagement is what employers will be looking for. Ask questions!