Civil Engineer Review

I have worked in multiple teams over the years: BIM, Environmental Consents, Design and Site. My daily tasks on site as a Site Engineer are to set out and survey, carry out quality checks, interpret drawings and models, apply for permits, troubleshoot a range of issues, manage labour and procure materials required for construction.

I changed career to come to Civil Engineering, previously working at a senior level in the NHS clinically. There has not been much opportunity to use my medical knowledge nor management experience considering the apprenticeship starts you at the bottom of a company again. However, I have certainly learnt many new engineering skills and terms. Use of specialist engineering equipment, CAD, methodologies and phasing of construction, legal requirements and paperwork.

I have enjoyed some areas more than others. Design was a favourite area. The hours, particularly combined with the University requirements, mean having a good work-life balance is difficult. I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from experienced people in the industry, and to be able to apply university learning to work and visa versa.

I was one of 5 apprentices starting in the first year of the apprenticeship programme on my project. The organisation was very poor at this point. This has improved significantly over the years however, with following apprentice cohorts having a much more organised and structured experience from day one. There is still improvement needed though, in terms of having a structure of team rotations and set work in teams to make sure experience in all core areas of Civils is picked up.

My employer is supportive in terms of understanding the requirement to complete off the job training as part of my contract. There is a good range of CPD activities offered through work to be able to boost hours required for the apprenticeship. Team rotations and work experience is left to me.

The employer are supportive in terms of providing a mentor, allowing time for OTJ training and study leave, and providing funding for ICE professional qualifications. It would be good if they provided more structured support in terms of someone at work to speak to about coursework difficulties or some guidance with exam revision though.

There is sometimes little overlap between what is learned at university and what we do at work. Particularly in terms of work on site, as there is not much practical component to the university course. I feel like the vast majority of skills I use at work, have been learned at work and not unversity.

Yes, there are social events held occasionally through each sublot, and more frequently and informally through individual teams. These are sometimes funded by work. I have also made friends at work who are on my apprenticeship course, who I socialise with. There are no sports teams that I know of, and professional network events are very rare.

Yes

Balfour Beatty s apprenticeship route is a no-brainer in terms of being able to get a degree with no tuition fees, earn a salary, and gain experience at work for the CV at the same time. In this industry, qualifications are seen as a tick box, with experience the most important factor in hiring and promotion.

Gain work experience in construction before applying. Not many applicants have this, so it will make you stand out very positively at interview stage. Ensure a good academic background (preferably Level 3/A-level) in maths and physics. It is a much better route than going to university independently, just be aware you will be working hard and will not have a university party experience.