Assistant Civil Engineer Review

I get into work for 07:00am, I complete daily surveys and speak with the site team throughout the day about ongoing works. When I get back to the office, I work with the engineering team to plan the upcoming works. I use CAD to process Designs and check the specifications for upcoming works. I then will create slides on progress, efficiency, or technical specifications to present to the team in our weekly meeting. By 5:30pm I finish work, head to the gym or for a walk. Then get home and work on my University assignments or relax.

I have learnt many skills through my apprenticeship, and not only specific to civil engineering. Some of the most important skills I have developed have been communication, analytical thinking and working closely with a team. In addition to this, my computer based skills in CAD, Excel and Project as well as setting out using geomatic equipment.

I have enjoyed my programme as I have had the chance to learn and also meet many other apprentices in our college blocks. The experience has been similar to that of university when at college with the supplemented experience of working. This is the benefit of long blocks, to be able to get to know fellow apprenticeships and immerse in the academic side of work. And then transfer that to your day to day role.

The structure is well organised and runs very well overall, sometimes there is a lack of communication from the early careers but this is irregular and for the most part the partnership between BAM and LCB is seamless. The transfer from college to the workplace is well organised especially when line managers have worked with apprentices in the past.

A big part of the apprenticeship is ICE development. Currently I am working towards IEng, this means I work closely with a supervising civil engineer from BAM to sign of a large portfolio of my work. They are extremely supportive and help whenever you need more experience, as well as flexibility with home life.

I have always had a positive experience, BAM have allocated me time where necessary to complete my work. This has allowed me to have enough time to complete all my university work without utilising weekends, only evenings during the week. This helps with the work life balance whilst working a busy full time job.

Understanding my work academically allows me to have more knowledge and confidence when I am working on site. It also allows me to understand higher level concepts which I can then transfer into innovation within my role. The units are well suited to the role we have to fulfil on site.

There are a great group of apprenticeships and young engineers on my project who all get together regularly outside of work. There is also a range of work based sports teams such as five a side football, basketball or raquet sports. There are also a number of networking events which are open to go to through FutureBAM

Yes

BAM is a great company to work for who really looks after their people. The apprenticeship scheme I believe is unmatched, and I think it is a great alternative to the conventional university route. BAM offer academic qualification, professional qualifications and work experience, leaving you highly qualified with everything subsidised.

Understand the role, the company and what our vision is. Make sure to brush up on projects we have done and what your interests are in relation to them. Be confident and express why you should have the role, why your skillset is applicable and why you would do well on an apprenticeship scheme.