"Civil Engineering would suit people who are up for a challenge!"
What have you done since school?
When I left school I was looking to do an apprenticeship as college or
working full time didn’t appeal to me. I saw the apprenticeship in
Civil Engineering at WSP advertised in the local gazette (Basingstoke)
and liked the sound of the scheme. I did some research into Civil
Engineering and felt confident this was the career I wanted to pursue.
I was then lucky enough to be a successful candidate for the position!
What does your job involve?
My job role as a technical assistant is very busy and varied. I create
drawings for the construction side of the business, working with
engineers to do mark ups and get to use CAD every day. I also go off
site every couple of months to see the projects that we have been
working on.
When I started with the company I started a CAD design evening class to help me with my job.
What do you like about your job?
I find the role really challenging and varied. I like that I get to
solve problems and when I work in the aviation part of the business,
there is a 6 month turnaround so I have got to see results from the
work that I have done!
Where would you like to be in 3-5 years time?
When I have completed my NVQ level 3 I will be starting a HNC, which
will last for 2 years. I then plan on going to university for 4 years
to complete a degree in Civil Engineering. I would like to stay with
WSP as they have been so supportive of my learning within the
apprenticeship scheme and want to carry on helping me to gain more
qualifications by sponsoring me through the other qualifications that I
want to do!
What would you say to encourage other people into doing an Apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship scheme is good for people who do not want to go to
college full time but are keen to carry on learning but still making
money. It does take a lot of hard work, as you need to fit in college
work around your job. However it does give you great experience in the
work place and I find my colleagues are always willing to help.
What would you say to encourage other people into your occupational area?
Civil Engineering would suit people who are up for a challenge! You
need to be a team player as you rely so heavily on communication
between yourself and your work colleagues. There is a lot of discussion
work that means you need to have self-confidence to input your ideas. I
think that an eye for design is also essential, as it will give you a
head start when you start using the CAD design program.
How do you find the combination of work and studying?
I tend to find that if I am excelling at work, then my college work
isn’t going as well and vica verca! It can be hard to fit in all the
work when you are doing evening classes as well but I do manage to do
it all and still see my friends.
Anything else?
I find the apprenticeship scheme gives you the best of both worlds. You
get to study and gain qualifications but also make a salary. Plus, if
you were at college you would need a part time job at the weekends, I
don’t have to work at the weekends and get to have a good social life
instead.