Building Services Design Engineer Apprentice Review

Item: Building Services Design Engineer Apprentice at Troup Bywaters + Anders LLP
Rating: 4.4
Author: Anonymous

at Troup Bywaters + Anders LLP

Degree Apprenticeship

Engineering

London

Review Submitted: January 2021

Overall Rating

4.4 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4.5/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

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

4/5

I assist senior engineers in the design process in order to gain a detailed working knowledge of all parts of the industry.
My tasks include:
-Calculations on computer based software
-General sizing calculations
-CAD drawings
-Site visits & surveys
On a daily basis I communicate with other members of my team and my mentor/ line manager. Externally I interact with clients, manufactures and architects on a regular basis discussing their needs (clients), new products (manufactures) and design options (architects).
My responsibilities are to develop an understanding of appropriate legislation, standards, building regulations and codes of practice. As well as complete/ meeting project deadlines.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

My team at TB+A have been very helpful since I joined. I've had regular 1-1 training with software such as Revit with members of my team which has been great in showing me the basics. The company culture at TB+A has been fantastic for example on day one, during our induction the Managing Partner took time to speak to us and welcome us to TB+A - this was a very welcome change for me coming from a previous company where the higher management did even speak to the apprentices. Along with this all of the HR team have been extremely helpful and I think its great have so many other apprentices working alongside you in various roles and you never feel silly asking a question as everybody is learning too. I had already heard good things about TB+A before join from other people within the industry and my expectations of them were exceeded.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

Yes! I am working towards my BEng (Hons) Design engineer apprenticeship.
Whilst assisting with detailed design tasks and drawing production I have learnt and am continuing to learn to use software such as Auto CAD and Revit. I also regularly attend CPD's for manufactures that TB+A arrange and internal CPD's by Partners. I am also set to attend a training day by CIBSE early this year.
Skills I've learnt/ improved include:
- Teamworking
- Communicating (via email & verbally)
- Time management
- Public speaking/ presenting

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

My induction was very thorough even with it being via Teams/ virtually. I have been assigned a mentor and a line manager who has already attended a review meeting with myself and LSBU. As previously said my training is well structured. I have been given additional time to study when needed and supported. TB+A have a very good system in place to help apprentices, such as competitions on a regular basis to encourage teamwork. They also have various 'routes' as to how you can progress that is easily accessed via the Edge.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I have no doubt that TB+A are proactively looking to support meet even with this being more challenging with the current situation with working from home, but the support from TB+A is great and getting answers to questions from my line manager and the HR team is very easy and fast. They even have a L&D training wheel where you can see options and asks for additional support on any of the many items.

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

3/5

London South Bank University (LSBU) are my training provider and I attend lectures once a week here (via teams currently). Whilst most of the lectures are good, their support is lacking I would say as I have only met my personal tutor once and this was because I requested it. The response time from them is also very slow and even though they do this every year everything always seems very unorganised. Therefore I feel LSBU's support could be improved.

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

3/5

My progression with my qualification does give me a better understand of all parts of the industry whilst performing my work role and I do notice what I am learning in class does occur on a day-to-day basis with certain lecturers being very useful. However, I feel that there is possibly to much theory and whilst you do need an understanding of certain elements, possibly to much detail is given and makes it harder to understand.

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

4/5

Yes. Again despite much of this not happening at the moment. I have been made aware of a regular football game between my team and events for the apprentices that are again mostly having to take a 'backseat' at the moment but are going ahead where possible. There is also a voluntary scheme within TB+A and this is something I may look to do in the future. When we are back in the office properly these events will begin to take place again.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Troup Bywaters + Anders LLP to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I would recommend TB+A because I think the fact that they have so many apprentices creates a great atmosphere and shows how forward thinking they are for the future of the company - with many of the Partners having been apprentices themselves. This also inspires you to do the same as you can see it as an achievable goal. Also, they have lots of resources in place to assist you and progress you in your career.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Troup Bywaters + Anders LLP?

-Just to be honest with them - in my interview I didn't feel I had to pretend (like 'talk myself up' to get the position). I just told them where I was at with my progression in the industry.
-Get involved with everything - TB+A make this easy with a competition for apprentices which gets you speaking to other apprentices within the company.
-Don't worry about asking for help - I have not come across anyone at TB+A that I couldn't ask for help from.

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