Degree Apprentice Civil Review
at Mott MacDonald
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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
My role in projects is largely as a Technician, I produce drawings and models using drafting software such as AutoCAD and Revit. I also use these skills to help with design tasks, carrying out geometric checks and beginning to sketch out design to develop further with Senior colleagues. I also directly support junior apprentices with Technical queries.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme alot although it can often be stressful managing a full time workload and a full time university course load alongside life outside of the programme. I find a great deal of joy in my work with Mott Macdonald as the projects we work on and my role allows me to try new things and broaden my perspective on Civil Engineering. The university part of the programme can be less engaging due to the heavy courseload and the limitations of support as it is largely online based, at times I feel pressure to just get the coursework/revision done to achieve a grade and I do not feel I have the freedom to explore the nuances of subject matter we tackle
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I am constantly developing my skills as a technician and deepening my understanding of other elements of project work such as document control, design calculations and project management. I will often be introduced to new challenges presented by design tasks and will support others with my knowledge, which consolidates my learning.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The structure within the business is fairly straightforward. Consolidation of learning can be dependent on the project work available, but the experience within the industry is invaluable. I have found confusion at times when discussing my apprenticeship with HR staff or Early Careers staff as I believe all UK apprentices are lumped together, when the Scottish apprentice system is different to that of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The structure of the university portion is also relatively straightforward, although there are parts of the course which are not always so clear and concise, usually this feels dependent on the module facilitator/lecturer and it has been a mixed bag of quality in that sense.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer is responsive to my needs, I am granted my day a week to use for study or to be on campus for required activities (exams, labs, tutorials). I also have a set amount of hours to take as study leave which is a massive help on the run up to assessments. I find that when I discuss my programme with colleagues they often are happy to offer advice or assistance with any subjects I am working through.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The university has resources that I could take advantage of, and there are members of the teaching staff who can be very responsive with queries and requests for support. I do think this is dependent on the staff member though and have felt let down in the past by lecturers not being great at communicating, or the online modules not being the best method of delivery or straight out not working properly.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
It is dependent on the project work as there is not always a direct link from university coursework to the project work we have available. Generally though, I have found when a subject does cross between the two it really helps deepen understanding as you bring what is usually abstract at university into a much more tangible setting in the workplace.
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, there are constant networking events, webinars on a variety of engineering subjects and recreational activities on offer. I cannot say I take part in these that often due to my personal tastes and also the time I have available, but I do want to engage more with these elements on offer. I hope to find time in the future to take part in these as there are many options available.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mott MacDonald to a friend?
Yes
Why?
In my experience they have been a solid, stable and reliable employer. The work environment is supportive and engaging, as are the people you meet who are friendly and knowledgeable.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mott MacDonald?
Look into the projects that Mott have worked on in the past and see if they match up to your interests. They have a large variety of projects, but I believe you can check what your local Motts office is working on specifically to get an idea of what might be available to you as an employee going forward.
