Assistant Engineer Review

Currently being in the final year of the Degree Apprenticeship, My roles and responsibilities have increased with this. I am now responsible for managing my own project budgets, managing small teams to deliver work and delivering work on a more independent fashion. For example, I will now be responsible for producing the initial design to be checked by the design 'checker'/ 'lead' and incorporating any comments they may have.

Since starting work, I have developed many new skills. Due to the way n which the industry is digitising, this is arguably one of the areas i have developed in the most. Utilising drafting software's is a key component to communicate designs to the client and contractors, examples of this include; Bentley packages (microstation, aecosim etc..), Autodesk softwares (e.g. autocad) and parametric design softwares such as FME (used to automate work produced).

The programme itself is generally enjoyable, though with the course still being new, there are still areas for improvement. The host company is generally accommodating to whatever is required to pass the course, with people always offering to help if there are any questions. Work given is also targeted to help with academic studies and develop a better understanding.

From a work point of view, i would say it is well structured. there is a clear management structure and support system in place, with them rotating you around different teams and different types of work to get a well rounded knowledge and allow you to decide what your preferred area of interest is. From an academic perspective, it feels like the course is still developing and is very much aimed an full-time students, which can be abit of a hindrance.

In short, alot of support is provided by the employer. regular meetings are in place both individually and as a group to encourage feedback and questions. As previously stated, a clear management/ support structure is in place to help with day to day work and any issues/ concerns outside of work with the academic course. There are also apprentice events to help build a network within the company and get support from others of the same level as you, or who have done what youre currently doing.

There are periodic meetings held approximately every 3 months by a representative of the course. These meetings check progress and are an allotted time to raise any questions/ concerns directly with the university. I have generally found that whilst concerns can be raised here and are quite receptive by the person hosting the meeting, when anything gets fed back to the course leaders, it can be quite a defensive response, trying to put the blame on students.

Not very. Efforts are definitely made to try and make the course as relatable to how work will be when working the job. However, alot of the content is taught by people from a strong academic background and not much experience working in the industry, which can lead to outdated resources/ standards being used to teach, and false communications about how the industry works.

Yes, the company are very proactive in this department. There are regular team and project social activities organised to celebrate milestones and improve team bonding. In addition to this, there is a wide array of sponsored sports activities to participate in, with internal and external tournaments held/ joined in wherever possible.

Yes

Generally a very good support system for all areas of the apprenticeship. Opportunities to work on projects not only local to you, but ones all over the country and the world (something which is also encouraged). There is also a wide array of disciplines within the company, allowing you to work in whichever field interests you the most.

Have a read through the website and get a good understanding of the companies history, ethics and operations. It is quite different to other companies in the industry. Both in an interview and in the workplace, ask as many questions as possible, even ones that may not be work related! it will help build relationships and a wider support network later down the line.