Degree Apprentice - Civil Review

Producing 3D models and drawings of proposed railway assets using MicroStation and designing suitable foundations. These assets are designed in accordance with the relevant Network Rail standards. Key responsibilities include identifying, managing and communicating any key issues and risks on the site to the client. All risks will be outlined in a risk assessment and key issues will be communicated on the drawings.

Developed the skill of recognising any site specific issues and how to resolve these within the design, both independently or with support from my team for more complex designs. Producing a drawing that clearly communicates how the proposed design interfaces with existing infrastructure and lineside assets through clear notes, dimensions and references to the appropriate design standards and other drawing submissions for the site.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme with my day to day role having a great balance between independent work and having meetings with my team. For my project, I am able to take responsibility of my designs right from initial drawings to approval construction. I will then get to see my design fully constructed which is extremely rewarding.

My programme is structured so that I attend a week-long university block each week at university and the remaining time is spent full-time at Mott MacDonald. Personally, I prefer this balance as the full-week at university allows me to completely focus on my studies during that time and for the remaining weeks I will have 5-day working weeks where I can focus on my project work

My employers are very good at providing the required support, both for project work and for my studies. When needed, I am able to contact my team for support either through teams chat or calls. In regards to academic studies, my employers provide sufficient study days to focus on any upcoming university assignments and exams.

University of Warwick is very good at providing high-quality and detailed lectures. They also provide plenty of supplementary worked examples, resources and quizzes to help work towards assignments and exams. Generally, module lecturers are exceptional at providing any individual support and answering any specific queries that I may have. My apprenticeship tutor regularly catches up with my apprenticeship cohort, both as a group and individually, and makes sure to address any issues/feedback that anyone may have.

Through my university course I am able to enhance my understanding of construction management which is of great use to everyone in the industry. I am also able to enhance my understanding of the different materials available. Within the course, there was also a geotechnical module where we explored the behaviours of different ground. This knowledge can be directly help me with my role as it can help me understand the behaviour and suitability of the ground that my designs will be positioned on and if there are any foreseeable issues

Mott MacDonald provide the opportunity to get involved in various extra-curricular activities or events. We have a Sports and Social team who are responsible for frequently organising office-wide events suitable for everyone to join. Recent events include: pub socials, bowling, go karting, VR experience etc. We also have an Early Careers Professionals (ECP) team who are responsible for leading various initiatives including: Sustainability, promoting STEM, networking with Universities, encouraging site visits etc.

Yes

The atmosphere created at Mott MacDonald is very friendly and welcoming. There are various networking opportunities to get involved with or join as a way to meet new people within the company. At Mott MacDonald, we push for inclusivity which was demonstrated by a recent lunch-time networking event to celebrate Eid. Mott MacDonald also frequently host lunch-time talks and webinars, sometimes including talks from other companies, which supplements our knowledge and can also help develop the knowledge needed for Continual Professional Development (CPD). Staff at Mott MacDonald are very friendly and willing to help as required

I would encourage all applicants to familiarise themselves with Mott MacDonalds PRIDE values which we embed into our day-to-day activities. I would also encourage applicants to remain curious and to not be afraid of asking interviewers to rephrase any questions that are not clear to ensure you can answer it in the best possible way. Be prepared to provide examples of where you have shown a particular skill. I would also highly encourage applicants to ask the interviews any specific questions that they may have