Civil Engineer Degree Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis my role involves design work, undertaking calculations, writing reports, working with other people to solve problems, attending design co-ordination calls and project managing. Through all of this I am working towards deliverables for a range of different projects.

Since I have started my apprenticeship I have learnt so much about civil engineering - I have learnt how to deliver a variety of different designs, how to write design reports, how to undertake different calculations. I have also developed my presentation skills enormously, and learning how to network effectively.

I love the programme - the course interlinks with my project work so well, and I am able to apply what I am learning to real life project work. I have had a chance to work on small schemes, as well as large schemes across the UK. It has been amazing!

My programme is very well structured - I have regular catch-ups with the Learning and Development team, as well as with my line manager and the university. However, I also have freedom to steer what work I want to be focussing on, depending on which attributes I need to meet.

I receive so much support from my employer, from getting time off for study leave and exams - to making goals to develop my career. I have a really great support system around me, and if I ever have a problem so many people are willing to help.

A lot of training providers are still getting to grips with apprenticeships - and sometimes the communication with the university isn't great. However, we have quarterly catch-ups with the training provider, and they are good are responding to issues. And my employer are really good at helping with any issues.

My qualification will allow me to get incorporated and then chartered with the Institute of Civil Engineers, at the end of my apprenticeship. It also equips me with the theories and base knowledge that I need in my role - it also gives further context to some of the design work.

There are so many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work - for example work sports day, so many workshops and networking events, early career professional events and social activities, sustainability initiatives and different roles you can take on to have a positive impact on society.

Yes

Mott MacDonald is an amazing company - not only are the staff so well looked after, there are also so many amazing project opportunities to get involved with, and extra-curricular activities. There is an amazing network of people in the company, who you can learn from and they are so supportive.

For people applying to Mott MacDonald - it is best to be yourself in the interview, let your passion shine when you are speaking about the industry. In the application it is great to show that you are really keen to learn as much as possible and give lots of examples.