Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently in Construction Delivery which means I have the responsibility to report what occurs on a day to day basis in terms of the progress out on site, which includes talking to supervisors on site, finding out about the works being completed and the delays encountered by the operatives and assessing the site in terms of health and safety.

I have learnt new skills when it comes to reporting and using software specific to the site I work on, and developing my skills on Excel and putting together written reports. I build on the knowledge I learn at university and apply that to the situations I see on site.

I really enjoy the variety and the pace at which the programme goes, I feel it is well spread out and well structured so that my progress is never stagnant and I keep learning. I really enjoy meeting new people everyday and getting the opportunity to learn from others and find out what i want to do in the future.

I do six 6-month placements going around six core disciplines of Civil Engineering, Project Management, Delivery, Site Engineering, Health and Safety, Environment and Surveillance. Then I will move onto two year long placements in fields of my choice. This is a great structure and allows me to explore and develop my skills and interests, it is very well structured as a course.

I have a network of people with my employer, with an Early Careers Manager, a Career Manager, an Assignment Manager and a Mentor for professional qualification. This network of support means that someone always has an answer to any question I have and someone is always available to provide me with support.

The University of Exeter is a great institution to study with, we have a great support network there, along with great lecturers who are very supportive in answering questions and giving additional support when needed. We have study support and pastoral support in addition to the academic tutors who know every aspect of student life and make every effort to support you.

I am directly applying the knowledge and skills I gain at university into my work, observing the practical applications of the work we do at university into the activities I witness on site. I use modules like professional Studies to aid in my report writing and design skills, and use modules like Mechanics to identify solutions when engineering problems appear on site.

There are many professional networking opportunities at EDF, and a large range of Networks like the Young Professionals Network and the Gender Balance Network which support and encourage people to meet and to make connections accross the company. There are sports and socials associated to the Networks throughout the year.

Yes

The company is supportive and encouraging, and the opportunity to climb the career ladder is invaluable. I have great mentors and managers who steer me in the right direction and allow me to develop my skills and find out what I want to pursue in the future, along with allowing me to the time to work on my studies and gain my qualifications.

Be prepared for the questions you might get asked at assessment centres and interviews and do your research into the company's values and mission, along with some research into the types of energy EDF provide. EDF is a great company to work for so don't be put off by the application processes, it will be worth it.