Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

During my time on site after I completed my first college block I have been placed at Hinkley Point C, an incredibly large and interesting project where on a day to day basis I am involved in various technical aspects involved in the construction of a nuclear power station. During my time here I have taken roles of a Spray Concrete engineer and also been involved in dewatering allowing me to develop my knowledge of construction processes.

I believe I learn new skills each day and my progress as an aspiring civil engineer develop every day whether in terms of academics during my college block or active on site learning. Aside from technical construction and engineering skills I believe I have developed as a more reliable and hard working individual by spending time each day along side very professional and competent members of the BAM Nuttall workforce.

I very much enjoy my apprenticeship and would not think twice about advising others to take the same route that I have. In terms of my career I have already begun the steps of training to work my way up in the construction industry with a combination of academic and on site experience at a young age. On a personal level, my time at college was spent with many other apprentices who have now become great mates of mine and I am happy that I continue this apprenticeship journey with them.

My programme is well organised and you do feel an individual not grouped together as just 'apprentices' everybody is treated individually to their needs.

I receive lots of support from my employers. I found I was very nervous with the daunting prospect of living away to work on my first construction site however I have been treated brilliantly and am looked out for by everybody in my team on site which I am very grateful for. Any queries I have no matte rhow big or small will always be dealt with by a member of my team on site.

The training during my college block was fairly intense however I do feel that I was given an appropriate amount of support. Although, this college block is not to be taken lightly and does require a certain amount of effort inside and outside of college during the block.

Having the college education before I came to site for the first time gave me a foundation of knowledge of construction processes and civil engineering practices. It is then greatly interesting to see the processes learnt at college be put it action on site, with you almost feeling one step ahead having being introduced to most of the activities on site through the college education.

At college I played football with fellow apprentices once a week which was fantastic and something that those who played look forward to doing every week. Furthermore while I am on my site placement I play football twice a week on a local 5 a side pitch all paid for by BAM.

Yes

I would definitely recommend this programme to a friend as it allows you to combine active work experience with industry recognised qualifications. By the time I finish my apprenticeship me and also my colleagues feel that I will be in the best position to further my career in construction and civil engineering ahead of taking a different route such as university.

Show an interest in the industry and be prepared to throw yourself into the apprenticeship as the rewards for those committed to the apprenticeship are fantastic.