I did my GCSEs in 2022 in 12 subjects with my options including: Triple Science, Economics, French, History, Design Technology and Further Mathematics. I then went to my school’s sixth form to do A Levels in Mathematics, Physics and Design Technology. I picked these subjects since I wanted to pursue an engineering-related career.
I took part in some work experiences within civil engineering to improve my knowledge of the industry and confirm this was the right industry for me. This included Align JV, Jacobs, WSP, Mott MacDonald and a summer placement working at Express Engineering.
Alongside the work experience, I started researching into apprenticeships, as this was something I was interested in as I saw so many benefits with this route.
I was so ready to get hands-on experience, meet people in the industry and get straight stuck into work. I also liked the fact that I’d be paid a salary, whilst also my tuition fees being covered, meaning I would not have any debt!
I liked the fact that I would be working on real-life projects, giving me a head-start in my career and valuable experience, compared to someone that went the traditional university route.
In September of this year, I joined my Plan BEE Apprenticeship (which is a very unique and beneficial programme). This apprenticeship is multi-disciplinary which involves 6x 4-month placements in architecture, engineering and construction, which will gives me a better understanding of how disciplines are interconnected and allow me to see projects from different angles.
I’m currently on my second placement which is construction with Sir Robert McAlpine, and I am based on site. My role is very varied, as I am currently working on two different sites: NESST (Northumbria Space Skills and Technology Centre) for Northumbria University & a hospital, which is Bamburgh Clinic.
Working on two entirely different sites has provided me with a unique perspective—one is a new building from the ground up, while the other is a refurbishment. It's been valuable to experience various aspects of a construction project from different angles.
Some things I do in a day include:
Design co-ordination and management - I review all subcontractor drawings (including structural, civil, architectural and slabs) and make sure they all align with each other and then mark up any changes that need to be made in the design.
Site Visits: I spend time on site assisting the site engineer. I help with setting up the total station and ensure that everything is properly aligned and accurate.
Sustainability: I assist the sustainability manager to conduct audits and monitor sustainability performance
Team Meetings: I attend team meetings. During these, I have been creating a construction glossary to better understand all the acronyms and technical terminology used!
Apprenticeship Evidence: Throughout the day, I document my KSBs (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) as evidence for my apprenticeship standard.
Additionally, I've been mentoring students on a sustainability engineering challenge at a local school, and I have attended other schools and colleges for careers fairs and talks to promote construction and apprenticeships to more young people!
The best thing about my apprenticeship is that every day is different. Being on site is so engaging and dynamic and there’s always something happening, always something new to learn and experience. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to be part of construction projects where I can see real-life tangible outcomes and how my work is contributing to society and helping to build the world around us.
My biggest piece of advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship route is: Be open-minded and don’t be put off by people’s assumptions and negative associations of an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is incredibly rewarding, and trust me, so worth it. You’ll gain loads of experience, develop valuable skills, and set yourself up for success.
My tips for getting an apprenticeship include: build up your own professional portfolio, get on LinkedIn, attend careers talks/fairs and webinars.
Finally, go for it—you won’t regret it!
If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a message on LinkedIn!
