Higher Apprentice - Commercial Review

I work for Tarmac's Contracting division which offers asphalt solutions across the UK. My initial role was to spend a certain amount of time within each of the divisions in Contracting to gain a good understanding of the business. I am currently with the estimating team where I am responsible for pricing jobs for anything from a newly constructed street to an airport runway! The role is very varied and interesting.

There are several courses that are ran by Tarmac that allow all apprentices across the business to develop their 'core skills' (as the title is named). There are multiple modules each year where specific regions meet together and try develop our core skills such as presentation skills and problem solving skills. As well as developing my core skills, I feel as if I have developed in a lot of other areas along my journey so far with Tarmac. On top of this, Tarmac set up a yearly 'Future Leaders' event which brings together all of the higher apprentices and graduates to a conference where there are several team building exercises and speakers as well as a chance to connect with others from across the business.

My programme has been brilliant, which has allowed me to take part in some brilliant construction schemes. I find the works really interesting which is supported by a great team. There have also been opportunities to visit different sites around the country which has allowed me to connect with colleagues around the business in a similar position to myself.

The structure of my apprenticeship is great, as they have had a lot of success with the programme in the past. As I have spent circa. 5 months in each department (Estimating, Operations, Quantity Surveying) I can express which department I feel more comfortable in perusing in the future. My manager allows me to make key decisions regarding this as well as offering their input in the situation. As well as spending two weeks in one of our quarries, I have spent a week in one of our technical laboratories.

Everybody that I work with is very supportive of me and are willing to offer help if it is needed. I have gained a lot of confidence from the fact that I have been allowed to be involved in many aspects of the business. I am always invited to be involved in site visits and specialist jobs such as the resurface of Croft Circuit Racetrack where I was heavily involved from the initial meetings to the final surfacing.

I attend college one day a week where I am studying a construction course. The provider offers a lot of experience and knowledge of the subjects and can assist with the work - the work itself can be interesting but some of which can seem a bit astray from jubjects. My NVQ assessor visits my office frequently and offers further support to my studies.

Although some subjects such as 'Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace' has been really beneficial within my role - many subjects have been unnecessary for my role. I appreciate the fact that I am working in an industry niche so the subjects will not always appear relevant, but I find myself studying things that will have little to no impact on my future works.

As mentioned earlier, the Future Leaders event has a really good opportunity to connect with others across the business. There is an upcoming football tournament where business units and business areas will compete against each other. There have also been several social events within our division such as going to the races. There is always something to be involved in.

Yes

I have already recommended different opportunities to close friends in the past. The business is incredible to work for as there are many opportunities to progress whilst working with a great team. The business values its employees and invests heavily in their time - events such as the Future Leaders programme are unheard of elsewhere.

I would strongly advise anybody to consider joining Tarmac as there are so many different opportunities available. My main tip would probably be that if you are willing to put the work in, the reward and satisfaction is great. Personally, I wish I knew before I joined about the different business units, including Contracting and what they offer - i think that would have gave me a good overall starting basis