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Digital Engineering Technician Review

at Exentec UK Hargreaves Ltd

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Manchester

Review Submitted: April 2026

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!

5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
4.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

5/5
My role has involved coordinating digital models using Autodesk Revit, Inventor and Navisworks. I've been involved in digital support by resolving ticket queries within our business involving our autodesk software and common data environment platforms. I've been involved on working on a lot of modelling and many drawings such as general arrangement, mechanical and design drawings. I had to find innovative solutions to many issues we could/would have within the BIM aspect of our business. I utilised AI software to find solutions and more efficient ways of doing things. I've been onto site and looked at the manufacturing and installation aspects of installing HVAC systems and been involved in doing site surveys and understanding the full process of how ductwork is drawn, manufactured and installed.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5
I enjoy my programme to a high extent overall. I find it interesting and engaging most of the time, especially as it’s not repetitive and there’s always something new to learn or figure out. There are challenging parts, but that’s also what makes it more rewarding when things start to make sense. At times it can be demanding, but overall I’d say I genuinely enjoy it and find it worthwhile.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5
Yes, I’ve learnt a lot of new skills and developed existing ones over the course of the programme. I’ve improved my ability using software like Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Navisworks, particularly in modelling, coordination and producing accurate drawings. I’ve also developed stronger problem-solving skills by dealing with technical issues and resolving internal tickets, as well as improving my ability to troubleshoot software and workflow problems.
Alongside that, I’ve built skills in data handling and automation, including working with structured data and using tools like Microsoft Excel, Dynamo and Dalux to make processes more efficient and manage information on projects. My communication has improved through working with different teams and explaining technical issues clearly, and I’ve become more organised in managing tasks and prioritising work. I’ve also developed a better understanding of BIM processes and how projects run from design through to installation, especially through site experience. Overall, I’ve strengthened both my technical ability and my wider professional skills.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5
My programme has been fairly well organised overall. There has been a clear progression in what I’ve been learning and I’ve been able to get experience across different areas instead of just focusing on one thing. At times it can feel a bit unstructured depending on workload and project demands, but that is expected in a real working environment. Overall I would say it is structured well enough to support my development while still giving me the flexibility to learn on the job.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer overall. I’m able to ask for help when needed and there are people around me with strong experience who are willing to guide me. I’ve been supported through learning new software, improving my skills and understanding different aspects of the job. At times you’re expected to work things out yourself, which helps with development, but support is there when required. Overall I’d say the balance between support and independence has been good.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5
I’d say I receive a good level of support from my training provider, Skills4Stem, overall. They are clear with what is expected and provide useful guidance when working towards my qualifications, especially with assignments and meeting criteria. Communication is generally good and I’m able to get help when I need it, which keeps me on track with my work.
However, at times they can be a little unorganised, which can cause small delays or confusion around instructions and deadlines. Even so, things are usually resolved and I’m still able to progress without too many issues.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5
feel my qualification helps me perform better in my role to some extent, although it isn’t always directly related to the day-to-day work I do. Some of the content doesn’t fully match the specific tasks I carry out, but it has still been useful in building my overall understanding of the industry.
It has helped me understand different aspects of construction projects and how the wider process works, which has made it easier to link what I do in digital engineering to real project delivery. Overall, while it’s not always directly job-specific, it has improved my awareness of the industry and supported my development in the role.

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
Yes we have many networking events involving all the apprentices within the business to meetup with the managers of each department. We have a local football team which work can organise attending. we have a walking challenge where we collaborate as teams to get the most steps in. We also go on team building trips to get a better working environment within our department.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Exentec UK Hargreaves Ltd to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I would recommend Exentec to others because it is a good place to develop both technical and practical skills in a real working environment. There is a good balance between office-based digital work and gaining site experience, which helps you understand how projects actually come together from design through to installation. On top of that, you get exposure to real issues and problem solving, which helps you develop quickly rather than just doing repetitive tasks. Overall, it’s a good place for learning and gaining real construction and BIM experience.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Exentec UK Hargreaves Ltd?

I would say make sure you show that you’re willing to learn and not just focused on what you already know. They seem to value people who can pick things up quickly and get involved in different parts of the work, not just stick to one thing. I’d also say be prepared to learn from site experience as well as office work, because understanding how things are actually built makes a big difference. Overall just show a good attitude, willingness to learn, and interest in construction and digital engineering.
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