Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

I am a site-based engineering apprentice. My role varies from day-to-day and is very interesting. Some of my main duties include using setting out equipment, carrying out surveying procedures (such as wall monitoring), carrying out Health and Safety or Environmental checklists, and taking care of general site management and health and safety issues. Because I am an apprentice, I am not yet expected to do any significantly difficult tasks, and I'm encouraged to speak out if any of my tasks are too hard (or even too easy!)

Yes, I have learnt lots of new skills, despite only being in my first year of the apprenticeship. First of all, I have picked up skills whilst being out an about on site. For example, I have learnt how to use several pieces of engineering equipment, such as the GPS or the Total Station. I have also become skilled at using several kinds of computer software, such as BIM360 Field and Autodesk Civils 3D. All of these skills have been learnt on the job, assisted by other engineers who I work with. I also have had the opportunity to complete several training courses, all paid for by BAM. Some courses I have done include Level 3 First Aid (I am now a qualified site first aider), Safe Dig/ Cat and Genny Training, Spill Response, Harness Training and I am soon to complete my Personal Track Safety. My managers all encourage me to go on as many training courses as possible, to further my knowledge.

I enjoy it very much. I especially like how the study/work balance is arranged. For our first 2 years, we study in one 9-week block each year and work on site for the rest of the year. This works very well for me, as we have a tightly packed college period, and then we work on site for the rest of the year and can put our knowledge into practice. When I go back to college later this year, I am confident that my year on site will massively help me in terms of knowledge. I have also had the opportunity to make some fantastic friends. The long study block allows us to all socialise and get to know each other properly. The apprentices all support each other, and I have also met lots of apprentices from the year above me, who have helped me out with their additional knowledge and experience.

As stated before, the structure suits me very well. The initial 9-week block allows us to socialise with each other for an extended period, and to make strong friendships. This also gives people who haven't studied construction before to have the time to build up their base knowledge. We then have a year working on site or in the office, and this allows us to put our college learning into practice. After a year, we will then return to college for another study block. I find the structure of the programme to be great.

Lots of support. We have a dedicated early careers team, which includes our apprenticeship manager. The team is easy to contact and we have regular monthly meetings scheduled where we can raise any concerns or questions we might have. Members of the early careers team also visited us often in college, to see how we were progressing during our study time. Aside from the early careers team, I also have lots of support from my employer in the workplace. I work within a strong team, and my line manager is very supportive and helps me to achieve my goals. My company also has several things in place to encourage our development, such as Personal Development Goals, which we are encouraged to strive towards.

Leeds College of Building is great, as the majority of our tutors have worked in the construction industry and have lots of industry experience and knowledge. The lessons are structured well and the tutors are very helpful as we work towards our assignments. Many of them even offer to stay later, or Teams call with us if we are struggling with anything. Now that I'm working on site, I have been visited by several people from LCB who come to see how I'm doing. I have had meetings with a Work Based Learning Advisor who speaks to me and my manager about how im doing on site, how im progressing and if there are any issues. I also have a meeting with my Assessor from the college, who meets with me monthly to see how im getting on with my apprenticeship KSBs and to help me prepare for my ICE gateway.

I feel that my qualification will definitely allow me to perform better. Although I have learned a lot whilst out on site, I also know that professional qualifications are very important if i want to progress further in my career. Learning technical knowledge in a study environment is great, and I am confident that my degree will help me to be a better engineer.

There are plenty of events to get involved in. I attend lots of professional networking events, many of which my manager will seek out and forward to me. We are also currently running a cycle to work scheme, which provides us with a bicycle to get to work with, which encourages fitness and environmental awareness.

Yes

It is a great company with many work benefits. The work culture is friendly and funny, but also very professional. Each region within the UK has a dedicated HR team to who we can report any concerns. The apprenticeship wage is very good compared to some other providers, and I feel that us apprentices are given lots of opportunities to grow and develop.

I would say that you should know what you want in the job. The BAM apprenticeship which I applied for had over 1000 applicants, so it is important to stand out and really show that you want the job. Its good to learn a little about the company when you apply, but dont go overboard and end up reciting every single fact! Also remember to be yourself, and in terms of confidence, just make it until you make it!