Civil/ structural apprentice engineer Review

by Costain

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.1/10

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

Designing engineering drawings, overseeing others in their designs, helping with admin tasks to fulfil the ice credits which are used to get chartered. using 3d drawing applications as well as 2d applications in order to get the best design and to make it clear to the site the expectations we want.

10/10

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

i have developed my designing skills from college and developed them into a more rounded skill, adding in some mathematics to boost the skill and to make my designs more detailed for when they go to site. I have learned how to use new software such as AutoCAD and am currently developing my skills on MicroStation.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I like learning new things as well as meeting new people. everyone is friendly and welcoming in the company. I have struggled slightly in the fact that the university haven't helped me as much as I would have liked but that has been overcome from the help I have received from my colleagues.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

the programme is structured by the university and this isn't well organised and we need extra communication in order to know what we have to do. However I think that the company are very good with communication and they will help me overcome the problems with the universities lack of.

7/10

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

I receive lots of support from the employer and they communicate any problems they might have as well as giving me tips and helping me learn new skills. everyone is friendly and you can ask almost anyone for help with the work you are doing and they will be happy to.

9/10

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

There isn't much support from the university I am currently studying at. I have personally had a bad experience with them. the communication levels need to be upgraded massively. They teach us in the lectures and there are some support sessions on the days we are in work so it would be helpful if we had support on our day release.

5/10

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

I think we learn the more technical side of engineering in i=university and this is helpful because it helps me understand in a greater depth what I am working on. we have also learned how to use some of the equipment that we might use on site so this means I am more prepared.

8/10

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.)

there is a football team which some of the team meet up to do as well as tournaments that take place outside of work. I have been to one networking event which was bringing some of the costain buildings together to meet people which was really fun and a new experience for me

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Costain to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

the company is really friendly and the staff are welcoming and they are helpful when you need it. It is a well established company and they have high green expectations for the future which interests me, they are well aware of the troubles the world is currently facing and working on ways to overcome it.

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

Be yourself and be creative. we are constantly looking for new ways to improve and build the best infrastructure we can. Don't be afraid to speak for what you believe in. everyone is friendly so don't be scared we all want the best possible outcome. apply if you are willing to bring something new