Structural Engineer Apprentice Review

I frequently produce 2D CAD drawings for complex designs. On more simple structures such as temporary works like excavation supports and hoardings etc, I am the lead designer so will design, produce the calculations and produce the drawings for the project. I regularly participate on structural inspections for a number of boroughs around London which I will complete inspections, draw defect sketches and complete reports on. I also regularly write risk assessments and method statements for these site visits.

I have learnt lots of new skills, starting with basics statics of structural engineering through producing calculations. I have also developed my IT skills learning new programmes and software such as Tedds, AutoCAD and Revit as well as improving my skills in word and excel. I have occasionally been tasked with managing my own smaller projects ensuring I hit deadlines whilst remaining in budget. I have also learnt a lot of technical engineering skills and knowledge.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. Most of all I love the variation and being so busy I don't even have to think of whether I'm enjoying it or not as I'm too busy getting stuck into my work! I have a good mix of office work and site work which allows me to constantly be moving about and not getting stuck into a rut of boring work as it is always varied and interesting.

The beginning of my programme was a bit rushed trying to complete work and uni inductions, my advice would be to start the job a month earlier so I could have settled into work before the university inductions. Now I am settled my plan is very clear of what is expected of me and what I will achieve over the next 5 years. The uni and my company have communicated very well

A lot. Everyone regular checks in on how my university work and general development is going. I have a apprentice manager who deals with all my university and overall development as an employee. I have my line manager who is in charge of my development as an engineer, and then I have a peer mentor who is the year above me at the same uni doing the same course who I can speak to about any smaller issues.

I receive a lot. My manager and another couple of graduates, as well as 2 other apprentices in higher years are in my team and I know i can ask advice from any of them wether its work or university related. They have also supported me with non university training such as my CSCS card. They teach me how to think like a proper engineer rather than just a student which gives me a better outlook on work and university.

as a structural engineer you cannot work without a qualification so of course my training at university is essential otherwise I wouldn't be able to do my job. As I am still early in my career I am doing different things at university and work as I will have a lot to learn but there will be times in the future where I will have headstarts on my knowledge wegher that be at uni or work..

My employer arranges many apprentice enrichment days where all the apprenticeship come together and do enrichment activities to get to know each other and different areas of the business and appreciate other roles. My team will also attend professional networking events which is good no matter the point at your career you are at wether an apprentice or a chartered engineer. We have lots of fantastic opportunities to meet knew people and build knowledge of the industry.

Yes

they have supported me fantastically, and have been able to settle in very quickly. We have a young team with apprentices and graduates who are more on my level so allowed me to very easily fit it. I have developed so much knowledge in a short time and have met so many knew people whilst being so busy that time has flown by so quickly to the point I feel very settled and looked forward to the rest of my apprenticeship.

I dont feel I need to give advice as its all set up very well that you could walk in and fit in very easily. Just make sure to be confident and never be afraid to ask questions, as its easier to be wrong and ask than to waste someone's time further down the line. Most importantly it is okay to be wrong! You are an apprentice youre not expected to walk in and be as good as a fully qualified engineer whi has been doing it for 20 years.