Apprentice Site Engineer Review
at Bowmer + Kirkland
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction, Engineering
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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
3.8/5
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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
I normally start my day getting to site and inducting new operatives so they can get onto site. I then work with subcontractors by setting out work for them. I will also complete an as-built survey on their completed works to check against construction drawings to see if its been built correctly. On site I also assist the site manager by implicating health and safety procedures.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I do enjoy the programme however my degree doesn't fully relate to my job role which makes it difficult to link them together.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I've been able to improve my communication skills as everyday you are dealing with new subcontractors and operatives. I have also been taught how to use the engineering equipment such as total station and dumpy level which are completely new skills to me. I've also improved my planning and organisational skills as you always have to be thinking ahead in construction so you know whats coming next.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The course is well organiseed in the sense you get you day-release to University. There's also frequent trips made for the apprentices so you can all see each other. There's always extra training days they put you on so you can develop all of your skills. When University isn't on due to the holidays they have projects planned for you to complete so you can still track to your OTJL.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is lots of experienced people in the B+K team who have lots of knowledge and experience which they are willing to share with you. However, because of how busy construction is people can struggle to make time for you or often have to reschedule.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
They give you the day off to go to lectures and complete your coursework. However, towards deadlines this doesnt change so you have to make sure your making constant progress with your coursework otehrwise you will have to spend lots of your own time near deadlines completing your coursework .
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Only 1 semester of my course links directly to my day to day job. However, it is the closest course that they are able to put me onto.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There is always different opportunities available such as G4C events. I have played in a business 5 a side. There is also a paddle league ongoing at the minute which anyone could join. They also hold work christmas parties and individual sites have their own nights out, sometimes with the subcontractors aswell.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Bowmer + Kirkland to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great company with lots of progression as current directors also started as apprentices which shows the routes there for people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Bowmer + Kirkland?
Make sure you have strong communication skills and the ability and want to learn new things. You will also have to learn dealing with sudden deadlines and problem solving.
