Civil Engineering Technician Review

I work for Islington Council in the Highways Maintenance department as a civil engineering technician. The maintenance departments duties are to ensure the whole borough has safe, clean and durable highways/footways. On a day to day basis we respond to resident queries, ensure we are working to the programme set out at the beginning of each year, raising orders, sending out residents letters, meeting with developers and residents in person where appropriate.

I have completed one course since I have started 6 months ago which was the NRSWA (new roads and street work act) course which I passed on all 6 requirements for the supervisor level. I learnt specific skills and knowledge when it comes to working on the highways. I believe I have also gained more of a wider skill set in the likes of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for my work and apprenticeship assignments.

I have a great team considering we are in a national lockdown and advised to work from home. However have had many teams calls with colleagues as a virtual introduction and have always been offered their support etc. In terms of my apprenticeship and learning provider I feel they have worked they best they can with what they have, I have had experience with 3 tutors and they are always so helpful and accomodating.

My whole induction to the course was very well organised and simple. There have been some hurdles on my course with tutors falling ill and the obvious pandemic we are in, meaning I have had 3 different tutors since November. However with that being said each tutor has been really supportive, empathetic to the situation and ensuring there is minimal disruption to the programme

I receive regular support from my line manager who allows me any extra hours or days to complete college work if required. Whenever I may have questions he is also happy to help in any case. I also have an apprenticeship co-ordinator who has met with me through teams to offer her support and guidance on any topics I may need. They also offer a mentor programme if needed.

I would say the support is pretty similar to the support I receive from my employer. Every tutor I come into contact with has always been happy to help and no question is a 'bad question'. Any time I email with a query or ask for assistance they often set up a teams call straight away to discuss and assist.

I would say that it is definitely helping me understand many different aspects in my role. The industry I am working in is very new to me however the tutors are very knowledgeable and it helps having other class mates in different fields to get the whole picture. Each assignment helps me understand more each time. Particularly when completing and passing my NRSWA course.

It is slightly harder that the moment to partake in extra curricular activities as many are not actually allowed due to restrictions put in place. However there are many online/virtual events that take place on a weekly basis, which are free for anyone to join. For example throughout Black History Month they had different event each week

Yes

Islington Council truly care about their employees as well as residents/the public etc. They have handled the current pandemic wonderfully and have adapted where they needed to. They are always offering support, guidance and assistance in all aspects of work and every colleague I have come in to contact with has worked there for many years showing a tight knit community.

The application process wasn't the quickest, however I would say that it is very straightforward. I would say definitely take your time with your answers and the application to ensure you are the right person for the job. The interview was on zoom however my managers made me feel super comfortable and very informative. There are also many opportunities when working for the council so it is good to be open to these.