Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

by Mott MacDonald

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a part of the Cambridge Dams Rivers and Geotechnics Civil Engineering team in the water division at Mott MacDonald. I primarily work in geotechnics, which typically involves designing ground investigations, designing foundations such as piled and shallow foundations, as well as undertaking initial desk-based engineering assessments of sites.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes. Upon starting my apprenticeship I had no experience in civil engineering and I can now independently carry out a range of geotechnical engineering tasks; whether that is writing up geotechnical desk-base engineering studies for new sites or carrying out design calculations in accordance with Eurocode 7.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I do quite enjoy the programme, although the work range has been quite limited, which causes some tasks to become quite mundane and limits my development on the programme.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Purely in terms of the range of work and range of disciplines I have been exposed to. So the my development in the field has not been considered extensively as I am not being provided with the opportunities to broaden my knowledge and explore potential other disciplines I may enjoy.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Support at Mott MacDonald is excellent. Anyone I ask for help is happy to take the time to make sure I understand something. My line manager also makes a great effort to address any concerns and makes sure I always have enough work to keep me going.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Support from training provider is sufficient. Staff will do there best to respond to queries quickly, but due to the fact the course is mostly online, it can sometimes be days before I get help regarding a particular piece or work, which isn't helpful.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My uni modules are now beginning to align with my professional work, however at the beginning I was not really working on anything that my uni work could be applied to, so I had zero knowledge of most tasks I was given at work.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes. Multiple sporting events, social activities, and networking/development events such as ICE lectures/talks that are strongly promoted by my workplace.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Mott MacDonald to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

On the whole it is a great place to work, with incredible helpful, supportive and friendly staff, great opportunities, and plenty of activities to engage in out side of work. Only downside is the lack of range of work.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mott MacDonald?

Make sure to be forward with you line manage about issues you are experiencing; everyone is friendly and happy to help. Also don't be afraid to ask to gain a bit experience in other teams or different work to get exposure in other disciplines, as this is a great way to broaden knowledge and gain wider experience.