Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

I am an apprentice civil engineer. My role includes; Completing TBS documents for works being completed on site, completing weekly updates, progress spreadsheets, work inspection documents, inspecting works being completed and understanding the particular procedures used to deliver works to the standard wanted by the client. Working on the railway, I have a better understanding of keeping safe and making sure everyone gets home safely each day.

Since beginning my apprenticeship I have learnt how to effectively communicate through emails and the importance of using clear and concise language to deliver a message and in return receive the information required. I started my apprenticeship with a 9 week study block at my designated college where my essay writing skills improved massively with the help of the college. To be able to be within the worksite limits on the railway, i required a PTS card (personal track safety) where BAM gave me the resources to complete the course further helping me to develop as a engineer.

I have really enjoyed everything so far, even during the pandemic. The team that i am with on a daily basis are a really great group of people and give me advice and any help i need with question i have about the task at hand or civil engineering in general. Also i really enjoyed college even though i had to complete the learning online from home due to the pandemic, bam and leeds college of building provided everything needed to make the transition seamless, making the learning aspect far easier. This was the case mostly due to the lecturers enthusiasm and them being there for anything that we may have been struggling on.

We had 2 induction teams meetings that were extremely informative providing everyone with the information needed to know exactly what the plan was before we started our college block, making the whole scenario smooth and stress free. Support from both the college and BAM has been great, there is always someone to talk to and share ideas, or just even have a chat. I havent experienced any programme issues, all information is clear and easy to follow and if there any problems i know i am able to ask someone for help. Over all the programme is amazingly organised and well structured

General attitude to being supported is positive all the people that i work with and sometimes those around me, give me great support in all tasks that i do, they are also there if i have any issues with my tasks giving me suggestions on what i need to do.

I revieve all the support i need and more. During my college block if there were any times that i was struggling with a specific topic my tutors were there to help even during the evenings. There was not one tutor who did not go above and beyond when trying to help. They were always enthusiastic about being asked questions and were always up for discussions on the lesson or the topic being learnt.

My qualification has provided me with a foundation that i have been building on during my day to day work, and without that foundation i know i would have struggled to get an understanding of my role and what exactly civil engineers set out to achieve. I definitely know more about my role after completing my modules and i often think back to what i learnt during my college block to better understand the proceedings on site.

Due to the pandemic, there isn't much opportunity for this to occur, but from speaking to the rest of the team, before lock down BAM is extremely sociable and offer many activities allowing you to meet new people and form contacts. I am really looking forward to this when everything opens back up again

Yes

Because it is a great place to work and they have been so supportive in my journey to becoming a civil engineer providing me with the experience and technical knowledge needed to be a great civil engineer. Also they cater for everyone and not just a select few, everyone has equal opportunities.

Just do it, I would tell them not to hesitate, this is by far one of the best apprenticeships that you can apply for. They will support you from day one and provide you with everything you need to have a prosperous career and more importantly a happy life. From my experience so far, BAM have got it right