Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

In my day to day role i undertake the design and management of Highways Structures schemes. These schemes include bridge and viaduct repairs. As part of the design i produce drawing packs, pre-construction information packages and pricing packs. These packs give all the necessary information on the scheme so that a cost can be decided and the scheme undertaken on site.

I have learnt lots of new skills including how to use AutoCAD, LUSAS and LIDAR software to produce accurate drawings of bridges and structures that we are working on as part of a design. I have also developed my understanding of health and safety and what procedures need to be put in place to make a active construction site safe.

My programme is very enjoyable as it provides the perfect balance between work and university. I work on many different projects with a range of people helping me to constantly improve my knowledge and understanding of different aspects of my job. It keeps my work load fresh and interesting making a very enjoyable work environment.

My programme is very organised as it is split into trimesters with very specific start and due dates for university submissions. My workplace helps me to manage my university work by giving me a day a week of work time to undertake university activities to ensure I don't fall behind.

My employer is very supportive. They allow me to use work time to complete my university work to ensure i stay on track and to help my continual progression both at work and university. My manager and other colleagues are always available discuss any problems i have with university work and to help me if needed.

My training provider provides lots of different support including multiple weekly lectures, online videos and tutorials, PowerPoints and an online library full of material and sources to help us to understand our studies and progress throughout our course with ease. Our lecturers are also available via the lectures and email to answer any question we may have.

My qualification will be a bachelors degree with an IEng qualification also. This will help me to be more recognised in the role i do and allow me to undertake more in the work place. The further i progress through the qualification the more understanding I feel I have of my job role and the wider range of work i feel able to undertake.

My workplace actively encourages team bonding and extra activities both inside and outside of the work place. These include charity events, professional body seminars, presentations and CPD talks from other company's within the industry. All these activities help to increase morale in the workplace and allow you to meet new people throughout the company.

Yes

I would recommend Kier Group to a friend as i believe it provides the best apprenticeship programmes that allow apprentices to make constant progress learning new and different things each day. They keep work enjoyable with ranges of tasks and schemes to further knowledge of different aspects of the job. They also provide activities which develop good working relationships and help you to make new friends.

My advice would be to research the role you are applying for extensively as Kier offer a number of different roles which will appeal to you. Doing this will help you to find the perfect job which you will enjoy. Researching the industry in which the job is in will also further your knowledge for interviews.