Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at Mott MacDonald
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Construction, Engineering
Seaham
Review Submitted: February 2021
Overall Rating
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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
Civil Engineering Apprentice: My role is to assist the design team with the design of infrastructure for Water Treatment Plants. This usually included connecting with the team daily and looking to complete possible solutions. I am regularly involved in designs regarding concrete modifications and proposals for the layouts of the proposed works we aim to carry out. Additonally, in recent months I have progressed onto calculations, looking into structural and volume calculations for our works. These calculations have allowed for the team to accordingly design their site.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The Apprenticehsip has been an enjoyable, but challenging, experience thus far. My knowledge and skillset and have greatly improved, whilst I have managed to also better myself throughout. Working with my colleagues has been fun, I am lucky to have a great wealth of knowledge around me and a team who understands what it is to be one. This has certianly made the experience at lot more enjoyable, and has meant I'm more determined and focused to strive for a better quality of work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
This Job has allowed me to greatly increase my confidence and communication skills. Through the office and more recently home-working, I have learnt and adapted to new ways of communicating with my team and colleagues.
Another Skill which my apprenticeship has improved is my time management. It has allowed for me to understand and prioritise my work more efficiently and more effectively, in turn ramping up my overall output on a dialy basis.
Furthermore, my technology skills have greatly improved also. By this I mean my knowledge of working with tools and programmes I'd use regularly prior to my apprenticeship, meaning I have a greater understanding of shortcuts and quick-tricks to help speed up processes and again increase my output.
Another Skill which my apprenticeship has improved is my time management. It has allowed for me to understand and prioritise my work more efficiently and more effectively, in turn ramping up my overall output on a dialy basis.
Furthermore, my technology skills have greatly improved also. By this I mean my knowledge of working with tools and programmes I'd use regularly prior to my apprenticeship, meaning I have a greater understanding of shortcuts and quick-tricks to help speed up processes and again increase my output.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My Programme is well organised. In Terms of my learning, Teesside University have managed to engagingly deliver all my lectures and exams effectively, regardless of the current world climate and the challenges it has put forth. It has meant my devleopment hasn't stopped and continues to carry on throughout. At work, the Mott MacDonald Development programme has also continued, with all events moving to a digital format also. These have worked well too and have allowed for all company apprentices to learn without stagnation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The support recieved from my employer is a significant ammount. My work regularly ask for updates and will also help tailor my workload to what is relevant in my University course. They have constantly helped me aim for the highest standards possible and will provide me with as much assistance as they can to do so. This has undoubtedly made a huge impact on my determination to achieve the best grades possible; it has made me feel appreciated because of it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The Support recieved from Teesside University is a good amount. The lecturers and course leaders are always willing and available to discuss and provide assistance with any issues present with the learning material. Understandably, due to the volume of students they have the lecturers aren't always available but they will aim to respond and help as soon as they can. As a student however I am provided with full access to the resources the University has to offer, which is a enourmous help for assignments and learning.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel this helps massively and vice versa. I have felt being able to apply my findings in my learning straight into my work has been extremely beneficial. Being able to do has meant, in my opinon, that my work quality has greatly improved through having the extra knowledge. I am less reliant on asking questions and have gained more indepedence through having it. This has also allowed for me to challenge myself to tackle more complex problems and strive for better solutions.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes. There are activities within the workplace to be involved in. With the Pandemic some of these events have subsequently been cancelled, however, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in events. Mott MacDonald host severl knowledge sharing events regularly, and help provide great insight into other areas of the business and projects. There are social events held through the ECP (Early Career Professionals). The ECP host social events throughout the year, from sports days to parties and days out. These events are a good opportunity to get people socialising and talking about things other than work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mott MacDonald to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Mott MacDonald is an excellent company. The staff understand the meaning of teamwork and deliver projects to the finest detail and utmost quality. The company will support and encourage you to develop beyond expectation and work to maintain a high standard which will only benefit you. The support for your academic develpoment will also tip over into your personal development too. I have greatly improved soft-skills through working for MMB and continue to do so.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mott MacDonald?
Make sure you are prepared and understanding of your job role. Understanding what would be expected of you will be key to you succeeding within Mott MacDonald. Do research into the company: know who you will be working for and what they do. Similarly to job role understand what you will be doing where you are working - projects wise. Make sure your CV is neat and concise. Include all relevant information and ensure that you meet the expected criteria before applying!
