Apprentice Structural Engineering Technicain Review

My role within in Mott MacDonald is a Structural Engineering Technician Apprentice. Day-to-day I primarily assist in the design of large scale structures, hospitals and student accommodations for example. I do this by producing models of the structures and developing drawings from the created models. I also do a part time college course to develop my technical knowledge. I attend college once a week which my company funds and I find the best way to gain hands on knowledge within in the industry

I have achieved an HNC in Civil Engineering and I am currently working towards an HND and a Scottish Vocational Qualification. I have also developed knowledge on a range of software. This ranges from increasing my knowledge of basic Microsoft packages like word or excel and more advances packages like Autodesks Civils 3D or Revit Structures.

I enjoy my programme greatly and find it to be the best choice for myself to start my career. The staff at Mott MacDonald are all very friendly and the training provided means that I can constantly further myself.

I feel like a highly valued member of staff and that Mott MacDonald have given me a great opportunity, not only to better myself but also to show how apprentices can be beneficial to projects. I now play a key role within my team and I have Mott MacDonald to thank for all the training and support to reach my current level of knowledge and understanding of the industry.

The structure works well within Mott MacDonald to accommodate my college day release. My colleagues have been very supportive when I was looking for extra assistance with college work and I wouldn't have been able to get through my HNC without their guidance. My manager and I have a sit down meeting every year to discuss my progress and objectives for the coming year to make sure that all of my career goals can be achieved.

My college has very responsive lecturers and do their best to keep the classes interesting regardless of the fast pace. Due to the course being day release the days can be rather intense due to the lecturers not having as much time as they usually would with a full time class. They do however do well to accommodate to this.

As mentioned previously, if you need assistance with anything at college you need only ask and someone will be willing to lend a helping hand!

My company pays me well, I feel, for the work that I do. The salary I receive increases every year based on my experience and increasing knowledge of work practices. I feel that the pay is more than enough to cover my living costs and travel.

There are frequent extra circular site visits and conferences held that are available to anyone willing to go. Within the company there are also a lot of out of work sports and social events that anyone in Mott MacDonald can attend.

Yes

They have been a great company to work for and they have given many opportunities to help me further myself.

Be confidant in yourself. My application process involved a presentation on the design of a bridge in London. Given I had no prior knowledge of structural or civil engineering I just had to do my best and research the factors involved to the best of my ability in bridge design. The assessors know full well that you will lack technical understanding so don't worry about not knowing everything and try your hardest!