Civil Engineer Review

I am currently working at Hinkley Point C power station as a site engineer. Day to day, my job entails looking after elements on my building, and progressing them so they pour on time. This can include steel checks, permits to load and setting out embedded items such as pipes and bolts. I also conduct safety inspections and make sure that equipment, such as MEWPS, are being operated safely and following the guidance set out.

Within this role, my communication and people skills have really developed, as we work with people from all nationalities and backgrounds. It has also helped build my confidence and given me responsibility for my own areas of the building, which can be a very steep learning curve but it means you gain so much experience and knowledge very quickly.

I really enjoy the degree apprenticeship program but it is extremally challenging, as you are working a full time job, but also studying for your degree at the same time. Sometimes it can be challenging to balance coursework with work and making sure you rest at the weekends. However, I have learnt so much and its a wonderful opportunity and allows you to learn lots and gain responsability.

The program is fairly well organized, with modules and training from the company arranged throughout the year to help support and develop you through the 5 years. It can sometimes be arranged a little last minute but the program leaders are always prompt to respond to any questions and queries.

I feel fairly supported by Laing O'Rourke. The leaders of the program are harry to help with any questions relegating to any part of the course, and gave all the information in advance to you starting the program to make sure you are well informed. I feel I am able to contact them about any question and I know I will get a fairly quick response.

The uni support is okay, it can sometimes feel you are less of a priority due to being part time students, but anytime I have raised an issue to the program leader, they have been quick to resolve it. It can be hectic as they have to squeeze a lot into the university blocks but extensions are available when you don't have enough time.

I feel like the uni course gives the necessary background knowledge needed to have a good understanding of the engineering world, but it is mostly theoretical and maths based, so depending on your role or project, how much you can apply it does vary. In my role, there isn't a huge amount of maths knowledge needed, but the material lectures are very useful for my understanding on reinforced concrete.

In my team, we try and arrange something once every couple of months outside of work, like a meal or drinks as it helps to know your team well and have some fun times as the job can get stressful. There is also 5-a-side football played every week which is good fun too.

Yes

Overall, the company looks after you and gives you promising career progression opportunities. They are also involved in a lot of major projects all over the world which can allow you to travel or explore any field of civil engineering that might interest you.

Be confident and go for it! It can seem daunting but there are great opportunities. Do some pre-reading about previous projects and what they are working on now, so you have a good idea of what sort of places you could work on.