Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

My daily duties includes 2D/3D modelling, organising drawings, and carrying out calculations. I am usually left to carry out the drawings un supervised, as I have proven I can work without close guidance.

I have developed my communication skills during this apprenticeship, and I have also learnt how to model in 3D, which is a valuable skill to have.

I enjoy the programme very much, I learn quite a lot both on the job and at my day release level 3 course, Although currently I am not able to develop things I've learnt at college, at work as they don't link together yet.

I feel fairly valued, although some Project managers make it clear they only asked for your help because your rates are cheap! There are some good opportunities here, although it is very clear the Graduates are their key interests, as it shows in the relative amount and quality of opportunities they are given. Overall I feel valued as an apprentice.

The programme is not particular well structured as The college course and what's done at work isn't very well linked. Also the development plan for apprentices doesn't seem clear cut, as many apprentices are going on to do completely different things and different people seem to be getting vastly different opportunities based on which division they work in.

My training provider provides a lot of support, in terms of my learning and development. They always seem happy to help me If i'm having problems, both work/college related and not.

My employer provides supports for both personal and private matters. I am also encouraged to learn new techniques, software packages etc., all of which are normally very beneficial to my skillset, and allows me to work on the bigger, more significant projects

The salary started at 12,700 which was very low compared to the other companies in the Apprenticeship consortium which started at 14,400 with added profit share each quarter. We have now just moved on to 14,000 while other apprentices are on 18,000 The salary here is lower, and although I don't necessarily struggle to make end meets I am not as comfortable as I think I should be.

There are many social opportunities out side of work, there is a great sports and social club. Rugby, football and tennis are all popular sports here and Motts has a team or a society for these. opportunities to represent the company at various fairs and events are also available

Yes

Mott MacDonald is a large company but in your team within your specific division, you will gain the attention you would expect from a much smaller company. Work life is good here, and we win some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world here, so there are many opportunities to work on projects you end up using daily, Crossrail or HS2 for example.

For the interviewing process you will have to create a presentation imagining you are commissioned to build a bridge or a stadium. Do your research and try to pick up the main factors that need to be considered when starting a project like that. You will then present it to your future line manager a HR rep and a graduate or apprentice. Don't be nervous!! you are not expected to be competent on all the technical parts, just along as you show you are aware of what makes a project, and being able to briefly explain one or two design principles used on your job would be a bonus.