Social Value and Sustainability Apprentice Review
at Marlborough Highways
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Chelmsford
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
For the social value side of my job I manage our school engagement programme, delivering various sessions including careers in STEM and road safety. For the sustainability side I am responsible for the completion of the organisation's carbon footprint calculators.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
My programme has been incredibly useful and I have enjoyed the method of study as it is a lot easier for me than a standard degree course would be. Not only that but Marlborough Highways have been very supportive of me during my studies and have accommodated everything I have needed.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Before undertaking my apprenticeship I knew nothing about social value or sustainability, since beginning my learning I have gained knowledge in both areas as well as improving my presentation skills and professionalism.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme has a clear structure, Friday is my college study day and should the need arise, Marlborough have been flexible and allowed me to move this day as and when needed. I also have four-weekly meetings with my college tutor to discuss my coursework as well as 12-weekly meetings with my manager and a member of the college team to discuss my course and share any problems I might be having.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive constant support from my employer, with my manager always checking in on how my studies are progressing and asking whether I need anything. Marlborough Highways also have a Learning & Development manager who is on hand to assist with any questions or problems I have surrounding my course and upcoming assessments. As well as this, Marlborough host a quarterly apprenticeship forum in which all apprentices employed by the business are invited to develop their skills in various areas.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have regular support from my training provider - I have four-weekly meetings with my tutor to discuss my coursework and portfolio as well as my upcoming assessments. I also have twelve-weekly meetings with my manager and a member of college staff to discuss the content of the course and how I am finding it, as well as check-ins regarding whether I feel supported by my tutor and my employer.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has been vital to improving my ability to perform in my role. Before undertaking my apprenticeship I was completely inexperienced in both social value and sustainability, and the course material I have been studying as well as the college webinars I have attended have grown my knowledge in both areas to a point now where I feel comfortable and confident that I can carry out my work to a high standard.
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
Marlborough Highways offer regular extra-curricular activities for staff including a company-wide shutdown day in which all staff are asked to attend and take part in team building activities. Marlborough also arrange various social events such as a yearly Christmas party and activities such as quizzes, bingo and family bbq events to allow staff to spend time with each other outside of a working capacity.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Marlborough Highways to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Marlborough Highways is a wonderful place to work and has a very "family" feel to it as all staff are kind and courteous to each other. Everyone is always willing to help each other when someone is in need and there is no bad attitude between colleagues. Although some members of staff work at other locations, I feel that no one is disconnected from these teams as everyone is welcome to attend the various events organised by the company as well as all apprentices attending the apprenticeship forum from across the organisation.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Marlborough Highways?
A really good way to get into working at Marlborough Highways are through the organisation's apprenticeship recruitment days in which candidates are interviewed and grouped together for teamworking and communication activities with promising candidates offered a position at the end of the week. Another good way to get into working with Marlborough would be through meeting some of our staff at careers fairs which we regularly attend at colleges and local community centres.
