Civil Engineer Apprentice (Year 1) Review

by BAM

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Assisting the assistant engineers in carrying out their daily tasks. I could be setting out areas for piling or surveying areas to be drawn up in CAD. There is also a lot of quality assurance/control within the job,

5/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt how to use specialist equipment such as a total station & GPS. I have an understanding of how to use CAD in conjunction with a total station/GPS to create drawings & sketches.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy learning new things and using the specialist equipment & software. I've felt a part of the team since the beginning of my apprenticeship and we have a culture of safety here at Bam. I have enjoyed my apprenticeship so far, some parts have been challenging but using the engineering equipment has been fun and to see the site change is great.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

For our qualification, we have 2 blocks at Leeds College of Building where we study for a HNC. These usually last 9 weeks. There are opportunities when you're on site to complete training courses in specific tasks. You also gain valuable skills & information from your colleagues.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

We have had some meetings from our apprenticeship manager to check on our progress. The college have been checking up regularly on the skills we are learning to create a portfolio of what we have learnt. My mentor has been very helpful in helping me settle down & become a part of Bam.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The college were very supportive. The tutors would always go the extra mile to ensure you understand the content and meet the deadlines. Using MS Teams was an extremely easy way to communicate with the tutors.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It gives you a basic understanding of how construction projects are undertaken and the tendering processes involved. More specialist modules tailored to QS/Engineering are taught on the second block to give a more sound understanding of your job role.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this has been limited. However, as restrictions are easing, I have been attending social activities organised by the engineering department.

7/10

9a. Would you recommend BAM to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The college lecturers are very supportive in helping you complete your studies to the best of your ability & the engineers on site help you to settle in and to further your knowledge on engineering.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAM?

Be persistent and resilient. Sometimes it will be hard but you will gain so much experience and knowledge by keeping with it.