Apprentice Environmental Advisor Review
at Costain
Degree Apprenticeship
Environmental Science
London
Review Submitted: January 2024
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
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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
Day-to-day, I spend my time ensuring compliance by reviewing documents, carrying out site inspections and targeted risk monitoring. I also write up new documentation for sites - including management plans, waste management plans, sampling plans and other documentations that is used to ensure sites are complying with environmental regulation.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my experience on this program - it is a great way to study towards a degree whilst also gaining hands on experience which is key, and allows you to get your foot in the door early on in terms of your career and professional development which is such a benefit from a young age
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have been able to develop a wide range of soft /transferrable skills including both independent and group working, communication, confidence, time management, organisation and many more. I have been taught how to navigate and use different software's and how to write and update /review different documentation to the correct standards,
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured and there are plenty of people who you can approach and speak to from the project you work for - sometimes there is not too much engagement with your parent company when working on a joint venture - however everyone is kind and approachable.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support and encouragement from my Line Manager, who offers plenty of advice and helps me push for my professional development which I appreciate. My employer has contacts whom I can comfortably contact if I have any queries or concerns regarding anything,
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My University can be helpful at times, however they have been relatively unflexible in terms of managing timings for lectures and accommodating those who have particularly long commutes to attend campus for lectures during strike days or fully-timetabled day which can prove quite draining. There is a lot of admin for the apprenticeship which can be challenging to stay on top of sometimes.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
The content covered by my training provider is somewhat beneficial and relevant to my role, however the connections are rather distant due to the fact that the apprenticeship is more so targeted towards a more consultancy based role rather than one within the construction industry. The content however is interesting.
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
My parent company hold a few different clubs for apprentices and graduates, and conferences are also held each year for your field of work so everyone in that team from across all of the projects can meet up and share best practices, experiences, lessons learnt and also network. There are many opportunities to volunteer as well.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Costain to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Costain is a lovely company to work for and I have enjoyed my time with them so far, they are helpful, approachable and understanding and provide very good pathways to enter the world of work through apprenticeships that are funded!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Costain?
Ensure that you carry out your research on the company - projects that they work on and the opportunities that they have pursued and achieved. Show that you have passion for the field of work you are applying for and be honest about your opinions and skills experience!
