Civil Engineer Apprentice Review

As a Civil Engineer Apprentice working in the public sector, I have been given a wide ranging exposure to all aspects of scheme development for active travel infrastructure projects and general transport infrastructure development. The modern office environment provides plenty of opportunities to get involved with all members of my team on different areas of the organisation, and learn my industry on the job alongside my part time academic studies at the nearby Springfield Campus at the University of Wolverhampton.

Our organisation is growing, and currently undergoing a large Strategic Review program that is consolidating smaller teams for productivity and great opportunity benefits. In that sense, my organisation is strongly structured but is improving while I work, and I am actively involved in the work being put into BCT to grow the department's size and scope for the next 5 years at least.

My employer is very accommodating to the needs of myself and other members of my team. Where issues have been identified, they have been resolved. Where I felt I could learn more, opportunities have been carved put for me to gain specialised training and support. My line manager is collaborative in responding to my short, medium and long term needs in my role. And the council more widely has great departmental structure to support me in my job.

My training provider (University of Wolverhampton) has been very supportive in helping train me up for my desired qualifications. I actively represent my student cohort as an ambassador, and my lecturers are open to constructive criticism that can improve the nature of my studies.

Some of the skills and knowledge I am exposed to feeds back into my role by bolstering my job performance and greater understanding of the challenges facing my industry, as well as exploring aspects of my field that I may not be exposed to solely in my specific role at work.

Yes

My organisation is set up in a way such that it is well equipped to meet the needs of its employees. Generally speaking, I love the friendly office culture and I feel as though I am thriving and growing into a strong career at the City of Wolverhampton Council. My individuality is respected, allowing me the space to choose where I want to gain experience and what interests I can explore with my colleagues. I'm currently in the process of starting a chess/board games lunch social space that I am sure will take off, something that I would have struggled to do under other organisations. In pretty much every aspect it's the best job I have ever had, and trust me when I say not all of my employment experiences have been ideal; in a way I think that helps me see all of the benefits I have highlighted, even if briefly in this review.