Degree Apprentice - Civil Review

My role as an apprentice involves supporting teams to deliver interesting and diverse projects in the built environment and rail sector. This may be collating project data from the client, producing concept models of buildings, holding design meetings to coordinate with other disciplines, and proposing 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. Above all, I have developed my technical ability with engineering and my approach and problem solving at work. This may involve breaking down difficult or complex problems into parts 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.

1. The programme was not well organised for me when I joined, given I was joining a small, growing part of the business. However, over time the company have quickly learnt and established a well-rounded structure for existing and new apprentices coming forward in my division. With time and repeated knowledge sharing, the structure of this programme is becoming more 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.

Portsmouth University have provided an adequate amount of support as is to be expected from a University. However, the degree apprentice course is naturally a smaller cohort and therefore results in more 1-to-1 opportunities with lecturers/staff which helps to build technical understanding along the course. Real-life applications are a big part of the apprenticeship and the university do make an effort to tailor their materials towards the working professionals on the course.

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 technical 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! The University Student Union have many activities for those interested in joining, such as fitness clubs, food events and music & entertainment.

Yes

I would recommend Mott MacDonald to anyone seeking to grow their career in business, environmental, management, or engineering sectors. This is because the diversity of our projects and the character of our people are hard to find in the working world. Mott MacDonald provide top-of-the-industry wellbeing support, flexibility, career development and reward benefits which suit a wide range of people and lifestyles.

Be honest! It is OK to be young and inexperienced, you do not know everything. But it is important you are yourself and share what you are passionate or interested in. People will thoroughly enjoy this but it will also help you find the right team where you will enjoy your work and your career.