Civil Apprentice Review

My role involves multiple tasks. My favourite is site visiting and conducting surveys for example bat surveys, site visits for modelling concepts. I also produce CAD and GIS drawings, produce calculations, collect data for utilities in a number of projects. I have also assisted in checking reports and taking minuets in meetings.

I have been in this apprenticeship since the end of August (5 months) and I have learnt more skills than I sometimes realise. From using a point cloud laser scanner, using programmes like CAD, GIS, Revit, Faro Focus Scene. Also my professional language in writing reports and talking to colleagues and clients has developed tremendously

I am thoroughly enjoying my role as a civil apprentice. There are time to times where I struggle to balance assignments from college, full time work and having a social life, however at the end of the day I know it is worth the effort and in the long run will hopefully reward me .

I do feel valued at Mott MacDonald, from the first day I started the other staff members made me feel very welcome, and I am constantly getting compliments from the tasks I complete each day. My line manger and "buddy" check on me from time to time to make sure I have work to get on with and are always asking if I need assistance or if I am happy with what I am doing .

The programme is structured well to a degree, having college one day a week breaks up the week which is good. From time to time I am sometimes short for tasks in work as there are not always work that I can complete from my lack of knowledge but I know s time goes on this will become less and less. when this happens I am constantly asking colleagues for work and I eventually find something to do , and its always a good feeling when you know you're helping someone who is struggling to meet deadlines.

In college I get lots of support, the tutors are always there ready to answer any questions which I might have , however I have to approach them if I'm struggling or have a query, which you would expect in adult learning. Within work I have support from my colleagues who ask how college is going along and again are there if I need any support.

Within work I have lots of support as I am surrounded by lots of people who have had lots of different experiences and have a high level of expertise and have been within this area of work for a long time and they share their knowledge constantly , telling me their mistakes and successes from the past as so I can learn from them and get an idea of where I am going.

I have moved back in with my parents so my monthly costs are very low as my parents are very supportive, however I think if I did live on my own or if I was renting a property or lived in a shared accommodation I possibly would struggle when it comes to bills and monthly costings, but it is nice to be learning and earning ant the same time, and I know I won't have the debt which a university student is left with at the end of their degree.

Mott MacDonald has an amazing sports and social group which are always doing things after work , from a cinema trip, to going out for a few drinks and sports events. They also offer a good benefits scheme which offers discount to a number of things for example to cycle to work scheme. I personally do a lot of extracurricular activities on my own accord so I don't have much time, but the opportunities are out there if you want them.

Yes

Mott MacDonald is a great company , and have a range of opportunities to offer an apprentice just like myself. They have offices all over the world and have a range of work all over the world which lets you experience different cultures and see the world. Working at Mott MacDonald also develops your personal self, I have developed my personal skills, I used to be a very shy person before I started but now I am a lot more confident in myself.

Advice to anyone applying to Mott MacDonald, I would say do your research , Mott is a big company and they care about their employers who put in the time and effort and they like to see someone who has passion for the subject area. At the start of my apprenticeship it was a bit slow starting as I was new to the area so it took time to build up my skills, but be patient, Good things take time.