Degree Apprentice Civil Review
at Mott MacDonald
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Altrincham
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
2.5/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
Mainly drawing work and developing designs within Highways. My responsibilities are to help to complete project work for whichever project I am put on. Most of the projects I have been working on in recent years have been Active Travel.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
There are parts of my programme that I enjoy, for example the project work aspect and learning new and interesting ways of completing a goal. However, the aspects I don't like mainly revolve around how much extra work is required concurrently with my project work (attributes [KSBs], university work, 20% off the job training).
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have developed my CAD skills acquired from my previous Level 3 apprenticeship. Also I have improved my communication and presenting skills .
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I think the programme is fairly well structures, there is a lot of work to get through over the 5-6 years, I have found it difficult at time to keep my work balanced and manageable but I don't know how much of that is more down to me rather than the programme itself.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer, especially more so in recent years since they have got better at understanding what support apprentices require. Ultimately it is down to me to highlight and raise issues and when I need more support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my training provider as well, perhaps a bit less than my company though I only spend 1 day a week at my university and have limited contacts to ask for help. But when I have struggled with mental health and actually asked for help they have been incredibly helpful and supportive.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
It gives me a better perspective and understanding on the different types of work which I undertake and a deeper understanding into the subjects.
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 many opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities at my work, there is a UK wide that takes place each year, where I have been able to remain in contact with other apprentices I met when I first joined the company. Also there are a whole host of activities which happen for each office for people to socialise outside of work hours.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mott MacDonald to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Overall, I have enjoyed my time at the company and my experiences, there have been many times, particularly earlier on where I felt that I didn't really belong here, but those thoughts have decreased significantly as time has gone on. I still have some issues which ideally I'd like to be resolved but on the whole I really enjoy working here.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mott MacDonald?
Don't think that just because you're doing an apprenticeship that it'll be smooth sailing and an easier time than going to university or college full time. The apprenticeship are a lot of work, it's worth it in my opinion but you need to recognise it sooner rather than later. In terms of joining Mott MacDonald in general, I would recommend taking part in as many extra-curricular activities as you can and building up a network of people throughout the company, it will help you feel like you have a place here, and will open up opportunities for your work and career in the future.
