Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

As an apprentice site engineer, it is my responsibility to manage and monitor piling works: Comparing day to day progress against the 6 Week Look Ahead and updating the Planned VS Actual- this is used to provide progress updates to the Agent. I am also responsible for ensuring piling works meet quality standards by checking concrete tickets, checking slumps. Other daily tasks include inducting site personnel, attending health and safety tours and compiling the H&S reports as well as surveying and setting out areas.

New skills I have learnt include using the GPS system to stake, measure and survey areas across the site. I have learnt to plot these points on AutoCAD Civil 3D to create drawings that can be used to compile Permit to Digs. I have also developed a greater awareness of how construction sites operate and I have developed my understanding of applying health and safety in construction. I have also developed a greater understanding of overall construction methodologies in earthworks, piling, demolition etc. Professional skills developed: Critical thinking, time management, communicating with subcontractors and other departments

I have really enjoyed my programme so far as I love feeling part of a team and I enjoy having lots of responsibilities on a major project which is a good way to show my team that I am a hard worker, passionate, and determined. People within my team from all levels of responsibilities are happy to help me, answer my questions and provide me with guidance to support my development. However, as a lot of the work is subcontracted and there is less self delivery work in my project, I do feel like I am missing out on some key experiences other apprentices might have (i.e using total station, cubing concrete etc) but I enjoy it nonetheless.

Generally speaking, the programme is well structured with two college blocks required to complete your HNC as well as apprentices having to upload a portfolio to progress with their apprenticeship development and receive EngTech status. I think during the initial stages of the programme, things were slightly unorganised due to uncertainty with COVID and the development/ training part of the apprenticeship wasn't explained clearly to begin with. However, Once I had gotten in touch my college assessor earlier in the year, things were explained much more clearly and I had a greater understanding of how the development part of the apprenticeship was structured.

The BAM Apprenticeship team had organised multiple induction/ catch up meetings before and during our college block, however I think it would have been more beneficial to have 1-1 sessions with apprentices so we can voice our individual concerns in private. The college provides apprentices with an assessor to help compile their portfolio and provide them with guidance to support their apprenticeship development. I also feel very well supported whilst at work as everyone is willing to help me and support my development by providing me with suggestions on ways I can gather evidence or complete difficult tasks. Overall support from my mentor, line manager and BAM has been amazing so far, but it would be beneficial if college assessors were able to provide progress reports to my line manager/ BAM to ensure that I am gathering sufficient evidence required to complete my apprenticeship. Sometimes, I feel like my line manager is out of the loop in regards to my apprenticeship development.

The college has also been very supportive both during and after the college block has ended. Despite the block being delivered online due to the challenges of COVID, the lecturers are very enthusiastic and passionate about what they are teaching and they are always willing to explain things in greater detail if needed. I always felt very comfortable to ask for any help/ voice any concerns if I needed to. My assessor has also been very good at reviewing the evidence I have uploaded which is required to gain EngTech chartership.

The HNC qualification gives you a good foundation understanding of a typical construction environment by providing you with an understanding of types of contracts, company structures, construction technology and health and safety. I have been able to apply my baseline knowledge of these units in my day to day role, further developing my understanding of the role.

As things are slowly opening up, I have been partaking in outdoor social events that have been a great way to relax and get to know my colleagues. Sports teams have also been organised for those interested. Professional networking events have all been organised on MS Teams at the moment, but I look forward to networking in person.

Yes

As an apprentice in BAM, you will always feel well supported from all different angles: The college, your assessor, your line manager, your colleagues, as well as the BAM apprenticeship team. The college delivers the qualification you need to help further your understanding of the role, while the engineers and your line manager help you apply this understanding to make you a better apprentice, and a better civil engineer.

There is lots to learn and lots of new things to experience so always ask questions and be up for a challenge! You don't need to have previous experience to apply for an apprenticeship in this role. Just make sure to show your passion and determination for this role, and be willing to learn!