Apprentice Transport Technician Review
at Southampton City Council
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Transport Planning
Southampton
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
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
The role is slightly different to what was advertised - but overall it is interesting and good experience for me.
I mostly work with the transport delivery team and manage the development of small transport schemes, as well as contributing to putting together business cases and reports for larger projects.
I mostly work with the transport delivery team and manage the development of small transport schemes, as well as contributing to putting together business cases and reports for larger projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Despite the training provider I was meant to be with cancelling the course, I've enjoyed it so far. I am on block release to a training provider in Leeds, and SCC pays for travel, accommodation and some food expenses while I'm away. I chose this role over other options as the training was in person, and this has meant I've met and connected with other apprentices and gotten a bit of a 'uni experience' out of it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a whole lot of new skills already, including how to use GIS systems, writing reports and business cases, and how to project manage schemes and collaborate with stakeholders and other teams.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The training is clearly broken down into units, with set assignments for each, and the provider has also explained how the EPA works.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My manager (and wider team/service manager) have been incredibly supportive of me, although as it is their first time managing an apprentice I have had to ask for/explain some things to them.
The apprenticeship team have generally been helpful with any issues I've had, although some aspects are outside of their control.
My biggest issue has been the limit on the amount I can expense for food while I'm away on block release (which hasn't been updated since 2015, and no one seems keen to do so!). My managers feel like this is unreasonable but HR put their foot down and won't change or allow any other amount of expense.
The apprenticeship team have generally been helpful with any issues I've had, although some aspects are outside of their control.
My biggest issue has been the limit on the amount I can expense for food while I'm away on block release (which hasn't been updated since 2015, and no one seems keen to do so!). My managers feel like this is unreasonable but HR put their foot down and won't change or allow any other amount of expense.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
They've been great, the teaching is quite good and our main course tutor has been really helpful and supportive.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Some of it isn't directly related to my job but is very useful industry knowledge to have, as I could probably see myself moving into a different role that uses some different skills that I have developed over the course.
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
There are some, although I feel they're generally informal or badly advertised. There are networking type things around, and I have had the opportunity to attend some other work-related events already.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Southampton City Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The work culture is generally really good, and the pay & benefits are well worth it. Probably depends on what the role is though!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Southampton City Council?
I know that my role was very competitive to get, and I think this is true for a lot of the apprenticeships (that are externally advertised).
I would say that what helped me getting the job was reading the job description and tailoring my answers to that to try and show that I meet the 'desirable qualities' that they are after :)
I would say that what helped me getting the job was reading the job description and tailoring my answers to that to try and show that I meet the 'desirable qualities' that they are after :)
