Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

My day to day role includes assisting engineers with tasks on site, such as setting out and completing as-built surveys, performing admin roles such as updating drawing packs and quality assurance for things like concrete and pre-fab installations.

I have already learned a lot in my apprenticeship, such as how to use and operate a total station, how to set up a laser and calculate the height of collimation, the old fashioned method of setting out without a total station, squaring up and calculating the volume of concrete and piles.

I really enjoy the program here, as it allows you to learn and get to know your fellow apprentice colleagues while in the college block, and uninterrupted on-site learning for an extended amount of time, enabling you to learn and experience what life on a construction site as an engineer is like.

The program is very well organised and structured with it being clear what your apprenticeship is going to contain and what you will be required to do. My only gripe is with the unit 1 work outside of the college block, as it is difficult to manage your site time and complete the required work.

The support I receive from BAM is fantastic, along with check-in meetings with a senior member of staff on site, the apprenticeship managers do stay in contact with you and are happy to help with any concerns you have. Furthermore, if you are required to move away from home, the company provide you with a living away allowance to cover rent etc. along with your car/train travel to work and home.

Leeds College of building is a very good college and they are very keen for you to be the best engineer you can be, with regular meetings to see how you are getting on and help with your unit 1 project, answering any questions you have and helping you manage your time.

I feel that the training I received from Leeds College of Building has enabled me to perform very well in my role, as in your first year they teach you all the basics and don't expect you to know much about the field before entering it. The training I received meant I already knew parts of what I was doing on site and has made the on-site learning much easier and stress-free.

When on the college block, there is a multitude of after-college events you can take part in, whether that's socialising or playing sports. On my site, there aren't really any extra-curricular activities, however that is more down to the location of my site and that I am less likely to take part in the activities anyway and haven't sought them out.

Yes

BAM is a fantastic company to work for who really invest in you and take care of you as an employee, and I believe it shows as some of the people I work with have been with the company since the 1980's. Your travel and living-away accommodation are all covered by the company and they do make it very clear that they want you to be the best engineer you can be.

I would say know why you want to be a Civil Engineer and to not be overly scared or nervous, we are all nervous when applying for apprenticeships but the interviewers and apprenticeship managers do create a very welcome and comfortable environment. Have paper, a pen and a calculator ready for the assessment centre and believe in yourself that you are the person for the role.