Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

I work on a large site, within a team of 6 (engineers &agents) including myself. My daily duties vary, but include surveying, setting out, writing permits and supervising work activities. I have my own responsibilities which I can complete on my own, and I also work alongside other engineers, to help with tasks that are too technical for me to complete on my own just yet.

Yes, I have quickly become used to site work and what it entails. Whilst out on site, I have learned to use several pieces of equipment and write permits. My manager also encourages me to take up training courses, and I have completed courses such as my SMSTS, First Aid, and CAT and Genny training. These all give me benefits- for example, completing my SMSTS course means that I am now competent to supervise works.

I enjoy it very much- I've really discovered how much I enjoy engineering. Being an apprentice, my workload is balanced, just enough to challenge me whilst not being so difficult that I can't finish my tasks. I feel I've been able to develop with the help of my colleagues.

I think the programme is structured very well. For the first two years, we have one 9-week study block each year, and the rest of the year is focused on site work. I really like this structure, as it allows us to easily separate study and work time. The final 3 years have monthly, week-long blocks. I cannot comment on this however, as i have not started my 3rd year yet. i hink the block study format is so much better than the day-release format, as some other apprentices from different companies do.

I receive lots of support. My line manager is keen to assist me with my apprenticeship, allowing me the time i need, and makes it clear that my apprenticeship progression is more important than site work, meaning that i do not get stressed about trying to balance both. The team that i work with balances the workload between us, meaning that i always feel supported and am able to focus on the apprenticeship matters

My course is well-structured, as i mentioned before with the block study, this gives us time to focus solely on our academic work.

Some of the units are very helpful in my work as an engineer. For example, the surveying and setting out course is very useful, even if you have already done surveying before- its great to consolidate the knowledge. However, i wonder how relevant some subjects (such as further maths) are useful. As a site engineer, i have not yet had to use any of this maths information that i learned. Perhaps it would be more useful if i wished to go into the engineering design field, however, rather than site work.

we have online spaces (such as one called future bam), where we are made aware of UK-wide events that we can attend. We have site visits, and sometimes even get the opportunity to travel abroad. On a smaller scale, the project that i work on also has sports events in the summer (such as company rounders or boat racing). My project also does volunteering, such as waterway clean-ups. I also get lots of opportunites to visit schools and colleges, and help to encourage young people into the industry. I have also attended lots of networking events, many of which have a specific focus (such as women in rail).

Yes

I've had a great experience with the company, and i can clearly visualise my progression in the next few years. Ive made some great friends through my work and have had to opportunity to work on a really exciting and rewarding project.

My biggest piece of advice is to be honest why you're applying, and why you want to work for the company. For myself, I had only recently gotten interested in construction, and i had no family in the industry. I stated this in my interview, and i talkd about how excited i was to join the industry and start my new career. The best thing that you can do when applying is to showcase your passion and willingness to learn-it will take you far!