Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

My current role is as a highways designer, working on both small local projects and larger highways schemes. I am currently on secondment to a local authority and even though I am away from MM I still have the support I had when working on MM projects. However there is room to move around the business and get experience within other disciplines.

I have developed my 2D and 3D modelling skills throughout my apprenticeship. I have learnt how to design to the standards used within highway design, including geometric standards, road signs and road markings. I have developed my understanding of BIM processes and industry best practices. MM are keen to develop their staff.

I am finding my program enjoyable. Through MM I get to experience a wide range of projects and have the opportunity to move to different disciplines. My university course is varied with modules from many discipline along with some basic modules such as CAD. This compliments what I am doing at work.

With MM there is a clear structure that the apprenticeship follows. Within my university there is a clear structure , however sometime it is poorly communicated with students. The university is regularly asking for feedback and developing the program based off this and over my time there I have seen the structure develop and improve. There is a lack of communication between the university and my employer, making the EPA programme difficult to follow and understand for all parties.

The support from MM and my university is excellent and it allows me to explore different areas of the business. MM are keen to develop their younger staff and my line manager is always looking for new opportunities for me as well as always being open to discuss university work or connect me with people from the discipline I am studying.

The university staff are always available for questions, whether they are related their module, another lecturers module or work. Overall the department comes together to benefit the students. They also support with the EPA thorough regular meeting with you and your work place mentor to ensure you are meeting the IEng criteria as well as lectures towards the end to help prepare for the IEng exam and interview..

My university course compliments my work by covering a range of disciplines. The first year covers the basics such as CAD design and basic structures. The CAD module is key to helping your performance in the workplace. The modules then become more specialised for each discipline including structures, construction management, surveying, quantity surveying, geotechnical and highways. Each module gives the student a basic understanding, allowing them to explore the discipline.

MM has a large sport and social committee in each office. They arrange office social events from asp[orts teams, give it a go sessions (try out new sports and skills), lunch time meals and the Christmas party. There is also an annual sports day, in which the offices in each region compete to be the best over a series of sports events over a weekend. This is a great opportunity to get to know employees from other offices who you may have only spoke to over the phone.

Yes

The atmosphere within a MM office is friendly and open. The open plan offices encourage collaboration both with disciplines and across disciplines. Other employees are always willing to help no matter the issue or recommend other employees that may have more experience within the area of discussion. MM are keen to develop and support their staff to ensure they are achieving their best.

MM look for adaptable hard working young people who are eager to develop. When applying mention the responsibilities you have outside of work and what they have taught you/how they have influenced you. Highlight example of where you have used your skills (hard working, adaptive, perseverance, time management ect.) to overcome situations within your current role. Mention what you enjoy outside of work as this can give potential employees a key insight into you.