Design Engineer Apprentice Review

Building services design. Designing Electrical installations such as lighting, power, fire systems and security. Mechanically this includes Ventilation, heating and cooling, hot water, and drainage. Day to day I use cad software like Autocad and 3D modelling on Revit. I report to engineers and they show me tasks on cable sizing, duct sizing and more.

Since starting a year and a half ago I can competently size ventilation systems for large scale office spaces. I am currently developing more on heating such spaces too. Moving to lighting I am able to calculate the average lux levels required to adequately light a working space to CIBSE guidelines.

I really enjoy the social aspect and inclusiveness of the job. There a lot of co-workers of similar age and similar site that we get along very well. In addition the uni aspect we have a group of 4 of us in the uni together so we help eachother out.

In terms of work the job is structured with how and when a job should be completed. However when it comes to learning it is a bit grey where and when I am expected to know specific topics. I would like to see more of a structured framework and objective goals reached every year perhaps in lecture of goals format

The role is very supportive with an abundance of knowledge available from my co-workers, whenever I need to ask a question I can always count on 5+ to know or at least give me the tools to find out. In this aspect TB+A are very supportive in wanting to help us apprentices out.

When it comes to exam season sometimes, depending on how busy at work we are, they may allow us a day or 2 of study leave to knuckle down on difficult exams. When it comes to technical knowledge we understand the older staff may not know the specific math content (Completely understandable as they wouldn't have use the maths since uni anyways) instead we go to other uni students for help.

There are a lot of topics at uni that come up within our job, and others not so much. Such as Thermofluids I will probably never use. However topics in Building services principles, electrical distribution etc. are very relevant and certain rules do come up. Also the qualification reinforces why decisions are made at work which is helpful.

There are sevgeral socials a year for us to get team bonding which is always great. TB+A provide a yearly apprentice challenge which joins all apprentices across the departments together to complete the challenge. I would like to meet more of the apprentices in the other departments more in socials would be good. Also a TB+A sports team would be great.

Yes

TB+A really care for apprentices and there learning. I am grateful to be apart of such a large and diverse team of professionals in this growing business. So I would definitely recommend as TB+A will build my career and make great engineers as they continue to hire and expand the business.

before applying I would emphasise any relevant experience in a CV. If you haven't got any experience then apply for summer jobs on sites or anything similar. As getting to grips with terminology will benefit greatly and also show that you are aware of safety on site! For university/college I would show that you're punctual as being consistent will show great results.