Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at Mott MacDonald
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Sheffield
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.7 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
As a Structural Engineer Degree Apprentice, my role involves producing complex technical drawings, models, and calculations for both new assets and the structural renovation of existing ones. On a day-to-day basis, I work on a diverse range of projects, including stadiums, hospitals, flood defense proposals, and commercial buildings. This variety has enabled me to develop a broad skill set and achieve excellence in my field.
Additionally, I serve as a Global Advocate for over 250 apprentices at Mott MacDonald. In this capacity, I champion their views and ensure their voices are heard by senior management, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all apprentices.
Additionally, I serve as a Global Advocate for over 250 apprentices at Mott MacDonald. In this capacity, I champion their views and ensure their voices are heard by senior management, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all apprentices.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have deeply enjoyed my programme at Mott MacDonald. The diverse range of projects that I have been fortunate to work on has kept my daily tasks incredibly engaging. This includes being able to work on the type of projects that I am incredibly passionate about, stadiums. Being able to achieve excellence by learning off some of the best minds has been incredibly enjoyable and I am forever grateful.
The supportive and inclusive environment has made the programme extremely enjoyable. My peers understand my skill levels and capabilities, making the programme even more enjoyable! My confidence has improved so much since starting my apprenticeship, due to the fantastic opportunities that Mott MacDonald offer.
The supportive and inclusive environment has made the programme extremely enjoyable. My peers understand my skill levels and capabilities, making the programme even more enjoyable! My confidence has improved so much since starting my apprenticeship, due to the fantastic opportunities that Mott MacDonald offer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship at Mott MacDonald, I have acquired numerous new skills and further developed existing ones. Technically, I have enhanced my abilities in creating complex technical drawings and models, which are essential for both new infrastructure assets and existing renovations. I have learned these skills from highly skilled individuals within the team, and working on a diverse range of projects has broadened my expertise and improved my problem-solving capabilities.
Additionally, my global role has allowed me to further develop my leadership and communication skills, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. My communication skills have grown significantly due to the numerous opportunities available, such as participating in various committees and initiatives.
My confidence has also increased dramatically since starting my apprenticeship. I had the opportunity to present in front of over 150 Mott MacDonald staff of all senior levels.
Moreover, I have built resilience through my apprenticeship. The abundance of opportunities has sometimes meant not being able to pursue all desired experiences, which has strengthened my determination and drive for excellence.
It is safe to say that Mott MacDonald has profoundly changed my life for the better since starting my apprenticeship.
Additionally, my global role has allowed me to further develop my leadership and communication skills, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. My communication skills have grown significantly due to the numerous opportunities available, such as participating in various committees and initiatives.
My confidence has also increased dramatically since starting my apprenticeship. I had the opportunity to present in front of over 150 Mott MacDonald staff of all senior levels.
Moreover, I have built resilience through my apprenticeship. The abundance of opportunities has sometimes meant not being able to pursue all desired experiences, which has strengthened my determination and drive for excellence.
It is safe to say that Mott MacDonald has profoundly changed my life for the better since starting my apprenticeship.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme at Mott MacDonald is exceptionally well-organised. The onboarding process was smooth and straightforward, clearly outlining my responsibilities as an apprentice. I was informed about my college/university schedule, work requirements, and the tasks I needed to complete. My team structured my responsibilities on projects excellently, starting with simpler tasks and gradually increasing the complexity until I was capable of handling projects independently.
Mott MacDonald also offers a dedicated training programme, Developing Your Future; which has significantly enhanced my skillset and expanded my professional network. Additionally, the company encourages taking leadership in my career. This support enabled me to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship in just two years, instead of the traditional three, and take on a lead role for early career professionals.
Mott MacDonald also offers a dedicated training programme, Developing Your Future; which has significantly enhanced my skillset and expanded my professional network. Additionally, the company encourages taking leadership in my career. This support enabled me to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship in just two years, instead of the traditional three, and take on a lead role for early career professionals.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive an exceptional amount of support from Mott MacDonald. The diverse range of projects I have had the opportunity to work on has been truly fantastic. Mott MacDonald prioritizes my wellbeing, offering training courses to help identify and address any issues.
The support I have received has been instrumental in achieving excellence, not only in my project work but also through extracurricular opportunities. These opportunities have enabled me to become a finalist in individual awards, which is a testament to the outstanding support provided by Mott MacDonald as an employer. The regional early career professional leads have done an excellent job in offering growth opportunities for apprentices, focusing on our development and success.
The support I have received has been instrumental in achieving excellence, not only in my project work but also through extracurricular opportunities. These opportunities have enabled me to become a finalist in individual awards, which is a testament to the outstanding support provided by Mott MacDonald as an employer. The regional early career professional leads have done an excellent job in offering growth opportunities for apprentices, focusing on our development and success.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I received substantial support from my previous training provider, Leeds College of Building, during my Level 3 apprenticeship. They expedited the provision of necessary documents, enabling me to apply for my bespoke EPA and progress to the degree apprenticeship starting in September. Their support was instrumental in my achieving a Distinction* in my course, clearly demonstrating their commitment to my success and qualifications.
Currently, as I begin my degree apprenticeship with the University of Derby, I have found their support to be excellent. I am confident that with their continued assistance, I will achieve success in my academic and professional endeavours.
Currently, as I begin my degree apprenticeship with the University of Derby, I have found their support to be excellent. I am confident that with their continued assistance, I will achieve success in my academic and professional endeavours.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
One key area that significantly enhanced my work performance was the Building Information Modelling module at Leeds College of Building. The lecturer was exceptional, and I gained valuable insights into digital technologies that continue to be beneficial in my current role.
The comprehensive course provided me with essential background knowledge, crucial for achieving success in my career. The structures modules were particularly helpful, as they equipped me with fundamental and standard methods necessary for thoroughly understanding project work as a structural engineer.
Achieving my qualification has given me a clear understanding of good and poor practices within the industry. This knowledge instils confidence in me that I am working for an exceptional employer who is at the forefront of innovations.
However, I do feel like some of the modules have not helped me perform better in my role. For example, I have had a Construction CAD module which I have not learned much at all from, being a technician for two years, allowed me to understand all basic functions of AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit.
The comprehensive course provided me with essential background knowledge, crucial for achieving success in my career. The structures modules were particularly helpful, as they equipped me with fundamental and standard methods necessary for thoroughly understanding project work as a structural engineer.
Achieving my qualification has given me a clear understanding of good and poor practices within the industry. This knowledge instils confidence in me that I am working for an exceptional employer who is at the forefront of innovations.
However, I do feel like some of the modules have not helped me perform better in my role. For example, I have had a Construction CAD module which I have not learned much at all from, being a technician for two years, allowed me to understand all basic functions of AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Mott MacDonald offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, and I am proud to be actively involved in many of them. I am a member of the Mott MacDonald Sheffield Early Career Professional (ECP) committee, where I lead initiatives in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
Additionally, I serve as a global advocate for all apprentices at Mott MacDonald, ensuring their voices are heard by senior management. I have hosted events such as the inaugural apprentice forum, which brought together over 50 apprentices and senior staff. I also organised a prestigious conference for over 150 Mott MacDonald employees, coordinating the live Q&A session and coordinating all senior workshop leads.
I am part of an initiative that focuses on community engagement, organizing activities such as litter picks, food donations, and planning future larger schemes. Furthermore, I am involved in the Sheffield Sports and Social committee, which arranges various social events including football matches, peak walks, give-it-a-go sports sessions, payday drinks, quizzes, and more.
My passion for STEM outreach has led me to engage with thousands of students and host work experience placements. As a member of the Sheffield Schools Engagement Committee, I am responsible for organizing career fairs for Mott MacDonald staff to attend. I have also had the opportunity to present to over 1,000 students, sharing my journey as an apprentice.
Additionally, I serve as a global advocate for all apprentices at Mott MacDonald, ensuring their voices are heard by senior management. I have hosted events such as the inaugural apprentice forum, which brought together over 50 apprentices and senior staff. I also organised a prestigious conference for over 150 Mott MacDonald employees, coordinating the live Q&A session and coordinating all senior workshop leads.
I am part of an initiative that focuses on community engagement, organizing activities such as litter picks, food donations, and planning future larger schemes. Furthermore, I am involved in the Sheffield Sports and Social committee, which arranges various social events including football matches, peak walks, give-it-a-go sports sessions, payday drinks, quizzes, and more.
My passion for STEM outreach has led me to engage with thousands of students and host work experience placements. As a member of the Sheffield Schools Engagement Committee, I am responsible for organizing career fairs for Mott MacDonald staff to attend. I have also had the opportunity to present to over 1,000 students, sharing my journey as an apprentice.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mott MacDonald to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Mott MacDonald has profoundly transformed my life in numerous positive ways. I have had the opportunity to work on iconic projects, significantly enhancing my technical skills. Learning from industry experts and the exceptional opportunities provided by Mott MacDonald have been invaluable.
My personal development has been remarkable, and I believe the sky is the limit for my career at Mott MacDonald. Additionally, I have formed some of my closest friendships here, which is a testament to the inclusive environment fostered by the company.
The keys to success are evident at Mott MacDonald, making it an ideal workplace for a friend.
My personal development has been remarkable, and I believe the sky is the limit for my career at Mott MacDonald. Additionally, I have formed some of my closest friendships here, which is a testament to the inclusive environment fostered by the company.
The keys to success are evident at Mott MacDonald, making it an ideal workplace for a friend.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mott MacDonald?
My first tip is to absolutely apply! While you should expect a challenge, understand that you will achieve excellence at Mott MacDonald. Securing an apprenticeship here is increasingly competitive, reflecting the high quality of a career at Mott MacDonald. To stand out, you should go above and beyond by conducting thorough research, excelling in assessments, and performing well academically.
A key piece of advice is to adopt a growth mindset. A career at Mott MacDonald is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and develop the ability to solve real-world problems effectively.
A key piece of advice is to adopt a growth mindset. A career at Mott MacDonald is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and develop the ability to solve real-world problems effectively.
