Apprentice Civil Engineer Review
at Paul Basham Associates
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Fareham, UK
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
As a Degree Apprentice Civil Engineer, I am gaining broad experience across different aspects of design and project delivery. My role involves supporting the engineering team while developing my technical knowledge and practical skills in a real project environment.
On a day-to-day basis, I am involved in a range of design tasks, including utility coordination, where I review existing services and ensure proposed designs avoid conflicts. I also carry out vehicle tracking analysis to confirm that site layouts are accessible and compliant with design standards. In addition, I assist with drainage design, contributing to the development of surface water management strategies and detailed design work.
I currently work primarily on the Welborne project, where I support the delivery of infrastructure design packages. This provides me with experience in applying engineering principles to a live project, as well as understanding how different disciplines coordinate within a larger development. Alongside technical work, I also engage with drawings, software tools, and team discussions, which helps build both my engineering competence and professional communication skills.
On a day-to-day basis, I am involved in a range of design tasks, including utility coordination, where I review existing services and ensure proposed designs avoid conflicts. I also carry out vehicle tracking analysis to confirm that site layouts are accessible and compliant with design standards. In addition, I assist with drainage design, contributing to the development of surface water management strategies and detailed design work.
I currently work primarily on the Welborne project, where I support the delivery of infrastructure design packages. This provides me with experience in applying engineering principles to a live project, as well as understanding how different disciplines coordinate within a larger development. Alongside technical work, I also engage with drawings, software tools, and team discussions, which helps build both my engineering competence and professional communication skills.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have both developed existing skills and gained new ones through my role.
Technically, I have improved my understanding of design processes, particularly in areas such as drainage design, utility coordination, and vehicle tracking. I have become more confident using industry software and interpreting drawings, as well as understanding how different design elements integrate within a wider project.
I have also developed my problem-solving skills by working on real engineering challenges, learning how to identify constraints and propose practical solutions. My attention to detail has improved, especially when reviewing designs and checking for clashes or compliance with standards.
Technically, I have improved my understanding of design processes, particularly in areas such as drainage design, utility coordination, and vehicle tracking. I have become more confident using industry software and interpreting drawings, as well as understanding how different design elements integrate within a wider project.
I have also developed my problem-solving skills by working on real engineering challenges, learning how to identify constraints and propose practical solutions. My attention to detail has improved, especially when reviewing designs and checking for clashes or compliance with standards.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is very well organised and structured. I have a clear outline of what is expected of me each year, which helps me understand how my skills and knowledge should develop over time in line with the required KSBs.
The company also has a structured progression plan that directly aligns with the ICE attributes, which makes it easier to see how my day-to-day work contributes to my long-term goal of becoming a professionally qualified civil engineer. This alignment ensures that both my academic learning and practical experience are working towards the same professional standards.
The company also has a structured progression plan that directly aligns with the ICE attributes, which makes it easier to see how my day-to-day work contributes to my long-term goal of becoming a professionally qualified civil engineer. This alignment ensures that both my academic learning and practical experience are working towards the same professional standards.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer, particularly in allowing me the time and flexibility needed to complete my university work effectively. This includes support with managing my workload and ensuring I can balance both my academic studies and my responsibilities at work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a good level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualifications. They provide clear guidance on coursework requirements, deadlines, and expectations, which helps me stay organised and on track.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification supports my role well by providing the theoretical knowledge behind the work I carry out day to day. It helps me better understand why certain design decisions are made, rather than just how to do them.
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, there are extra-curricular activities available at my workplace. These include quarterly social events, which provide a good opportunity to interact with colleagues outside of a work setting, as well as an annual away day. These activities help build team relationships and contribute to a positive working environment.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Paul Basham Associates to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Paul Basham Associates to a friend.
From my experience, it is a supportive working environment where I have been given good exposure to a range of engineering tasks and real projects. This has helped me develop both technically and professionally at an early stage in my career. The company also places value on training and development, which is important for progression as a graduate or apprentice.
From my experience, it is a supportive working environment where I have been given good exposure to a range of engineering tasks and real projects. This has helped me develop both technically and professionally at an early stage in my career. The company also places value on training and development, which is important for progression as a graduate or apprentice.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Paul Basham Associates?
I would advise others applying to Paul Basham Associates to have a good understanding of the company and the type of work they do, particularly in civil engineering and transport planning. Showing an interest in real projects and how they impact development will help you stand out.
It’s also important to demonstrate a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. As an apprentice or graduate, you’re not expected to know everything, but showing curiosity and a proactive approach is key.
It’s also important to demonstrate a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. As an apprentice or graduate, you’re not expected to know everything, but showing curiosity and a proactive approach is key.
