Apprentice Environmental Advisor Review

My role involves going on Site-walks and completing Site Inspections to ensure everything is compliant, writing up Best Practices and creating Posters to highlight the great things that we are doing on-site. I am also in charge of reporting our resource usage on a monthly basis, and help out with ENVOR and CEEQUAL (opportunities / sustainability assessments)

As this has been my very first job, I have learnt so much so far. I started my apprenticeship in August 2021 and have gained a lot of work experience. I have developed my ability to work both independently and as a group, as well as my confidence and knowledge.

I am enjoying the Apprenticeship a lot. It is exactly what I wanted to do - I am studying towards a degree at University, whilst also being offered a wide range of different opportunities, and the ability to gain important work experience, which is preparing me for my future. You are able to network and form connections with lots of people who have a lot of experience, which is very helpful if you have specific questions!

The programme is well organised. I attend University one day a week, and work on the other four days. It is a good balance and allows me to learn in a range of ways (visually, hands on etc). It is really important that there is communication between the University and your Company /the Project that you are working on.

I receive sufficient amount of support from my employer. Development Reviews etc. are held on a regular basis which allow you to tell your employers how you feel /any troubles you may be having. They are able to answer any questions I have, and I find that regular communication with them is key!

Support is provided by the training provider. There is always a contact that you can reach out to if you need to ask any questions /need guidance. They are supportive and open minded, which is helpful. Meetings, news, events etc. are some of the ways that they stay in touch with everyone.

My qualification directly relates to my role. Studying and working simultaneously makes it easier for you to understand how things work and have the knowledge that is required to complete certain tasks. My qualification allows for you to learn about general information on the environment (global issues, opportunities etc.) as well as more focused knowledge that is specific to your role (where you work etc.)

There are lots of social activities that you are able to attend in order to network and form relationships with your colleagues (this is useful as you can build up a bank of people that you can go to for info, ask questions to and gain knowledge from)! Your company will also hold conferences and away days, which are also extremely helpful. Fundraisers are also held quite often, as well as opportunities to volunteer etc. too

Yes

Because it is a great company overall; They have quite a few projects in different locations /areas (meaning people can find projects that are close to them), and have a lot of benefits as well (covering travel costs to work, expensing hotels for work trips etc). The Costain Team is close and there will always be someone that you can reach out and talk to. They have been extremely in helping me to settle into my very first job, and are focused on helping me develop and work towards getting where I would like to be.

Show that you are passionate about the role /field that you are applying for, and explain what you can bring to the team and project that you will be working on. Be yourself and also be confident! Applying /being interviewed for jobs is always quite nerve wracking but you can only do your best and that is what is important.