Inftrastructures Apprentice Review

An apprentice in the infrastructures team involves many daily tasks. Firstly, I help with CAD software predominantly, which involves creating and amending drawings. I get involved with engineers and technicians on a daily basis and also get involved with the client to see if they have any specific requirements.

I have learnt almost all my CAD skills whilst being on this apprenticeship. I also have to complete an NVQ, which is very similar to an EngTech in the ICE, therefore allowing me to progress my professional qualification. I have also learnt many things through seminars and webinars about drainage, highways, utilities etc.

I love the team I work with. I get to travel around different offices and work with different infrastructure teams, which allows me to extend my network and make new friends. The company has a very warm and approachable feel to it, and working for such a company allows me to be more confident in myself.

I feel very valued. My manager tells me how he can see a good progression in me, and after having my appraisal, I feel that internally I am valued even though I am only an entry grade. Externally, I have not spoken to that many people and therefore would not be able to comment on this, however i'm sure they would say the same. On certain projects, I feel that if I did not have an input then the project would struggle. For example, I have been working away from Liverpool recently with the Sheffield office on work that may have taken longer due to limited microstation resources.

My induction was very well organised and allowed me to talk to new people. I now have 3 close friends from the Sheffield office, the Leeds office and the Newcastle office due to the induction. Training from work is not too bad however it can be quite hard to train somebody without them working on a job. My training provider is very good though and very assisting. Study from college could be better regarding tutor assistance and feedback. overall it is well organised.

My training provider is very good at supporting me with college and if I have any issues and work and if I have any issues. They help massively with any tasks i'm struggling with, and have ensured that my NVQ is running at the correct speed.

I have made close friends within my team that are very supportive towards me. However, if I have a problem that I wish to speak to somebody else about, then my manager or HR team are always happy to help. My mentor is very supportive with software help and such like, and overall, almost everyone I have come across is happy to support me generally with any problems I have.

For an apprentice, my annual salary is very good, and receiving a profit share on top of my salary is also very helpful. If I wanted to live away from my parents, it would be possible to do so. The only problem I can think of is due to living just under an hour away from the office, it can be fairly annoying getting into the office, so therefore costs me slightly more each month. This cannot be helped by the employer though unless they offered to pay some of my travel costs. I am satisfied though.

There are loads of opportunities for me outside of work. I have every evening free to do what I wish. I currently choose to play rugby, play snooker, go to the gym and socialize lots. There are also many company events and activities such as office socials, opportunities to go abroad (such as the graduate ski trip) plus many more.

Yes

They offer a good salary, whilst including many benefits. They are very warming and almost everyone you work with will be willing to help you with anything you want.

Ensure you know something about the company such as projects they have worked on. And as long as you're a people friendly person then you should fit in well.