Trainee Civil Engineer Review

Working 55 hours a week on-site and in the office working on a 6 phase demolition and rebuild of a live shopping centre car park. Day to day I issue permits, survey areas and set out areas for the new build. This involves everything from concrete foundations to erecting the steel frame and even looking at safe hoarding layouts to segregate the general public. 20% of my time is also allocated to my studies where I have online lectures and tutorials that relate to current and future works I may be managing.

From day one I developed new skills as I was completely new to the industry but I learnt quickly with the help of colleagues and still, 2 years in I am developing new skills. I have been put on various training courses at my own request and there are always more ways to develop or solidify existing or new skills.

I couldn't see myself doing anything else, The job is a good balance between office work and site work with independence and room to grow. Having gone to university previously for a different degree, this is 100% more enjoyable experience and a better learning experience as well as a way of learning.

The organisation requires a lot of independence and keeping up with your own workload. I manage my time fairly well but there is nobody that forces you to focus on your university work, it is down to you. There are meetings with your company every so often to check up on you and support you there but it is easy to get lost in the job forgetting that you are there to learn as well.

The employer checks up fairly frequently with an email but often focuses on problems. There is also a 3-way review with your mentor and university every year which is useful as you set targets and address any problems. The biggest help I find is from colleagues in the workplace as they have the most knowledge if support is needed and some have been through the same process.

The University that provides the course offer just as much support to me as they do to students that study on their campus. They also provide a distance learning group that regularly offers support if you are stuck or need advice. They often sort out any problems easily and successfully.

As it stands, I am doing the same job as a graduate that has been in the company for longer than I have. This means that once I am fully qualified I will be in better stead for an even better role as I have 4 years of experience alongside my degree.

There are social activities and sporting activities that are planned through work but it is very local and as you would expect from a workplace. You are told about activities taking place at university but it is very difficult to get involved as a distance learning student that is off campus.

Yes

Kier is a global engineering firm with a good reputation and room to grow. They offer services in all major aspects of construction and provide a good work ethic. There is always room to move around the country to get further experience and even space aboard to grow your culture.

Be aware that you may work away from home but never less it is an enjoyable, well-structured workplace with a place for everyone. It is always changing to suit the current market and its employees and provides support where needed. I've met lots of new people and been to new places and wouldn't change my experiences.