Degree Apprentice - Civil Review

My role as an apprentice involves supporting teams to deliver interesting and diverse projects in the built environment. This may be sifting through project data from the client, producing concept models of buildings or holding design meetings to propose solutions to engineering problems. Mott MacDonald also encourage a depth of social engagement and training while at work. Most of my training is met at University 1 day a week studying a part-time BEng in Civil Engineering.

I have learnt many valuable new skills, such as time management and organisation, including the ability to prioritise my workload and organise my days and commitments. One of the skills I have developed are my people skills, through writing emails, conducting Teams meetings, and engaging in office discussions. Another skill I have developed is my approach and perspective to problem solving, such as breaking down difficult or complex problems into segments which can be analysed individually.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme throughout my time at Mott MacDonald, and even more so now that I am approaching the end of the apprenticeship and all the hard work will soon pay off. It is a challenging and demanding programme, but a very rewarding one - with opportunities upon opportunities.

The programme was not well organised for me when I joined, given I was joining a small, growing part of the business. However, with time and by engaging with other apprentices in the organisation I was able to find a structure that has worked really well for me. With time and knowledge sharing, the structure of this programme will be consistent across the whole organisation.

Mott MacDonald have given me a lot of support during my apprenticeship, and the whole organisation have shown responsibility as the employer, by providing me with enough training time to meet my learning goals, enough flexibility in working when life has been busy or tough, and plenty of understanding, patience and helpful feedback when I had not performed my role well.

Whilst it is a legal obligation for any apprentice employer to meet the required 20% off-the-job training set out by the apprenticeship standards, Mott MacDonald have gone over and above, by providing study days for exams or assignment deadlines, in addition to training time for professional development activities. This has been paramount, above the 1 day a week time, in helping me achieve my apprenticeship by the end of 2024.

At first, university learning was a steep climb and felt very academic and not related to my everyday job, but as the foundational knowledge built up, I began to see the key milestones where my university learning was directly applicable to work, for example, completing the Behaviour of Structures module gave me better experience when performing structural calculations at work, leading to less stress and better quality of work.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities available at both my workplace and University. There is no obligation to join these, but there are more than enough diverse opportunities to suit even the pickiest person. Last year our office enjoyed a go-karting day out which was excellent in getting to know the office and having a load of fun!

Yes

I would recommend Mott MacDonald to anyone seeking to grow their career in business, environmental, management, or engineering sectors, because of the diversity of projects, teams and people we have here. In addition, Mott MacDonald provide top-of-the-industry wellbeing support, package benefits and career opportunities which suit a wide range of people and lifestyles.

Top tip: Be yourself! It is okay to be young and inexperienced, you do not know everything. No one does. But do be yourself and share what you are passionate or interested in. People will thoroughly enjoy this. Also, know that it is other's responsibility to speak their mind and guide you if they want you to do something differently, and if you are honest and looking for growth in your career, then engage with feedback from everyone you meet.