Civil Engineer Review

My day-to-day role involves a mix of design, coordination, and problem-solving across civil engineering projects mostly housing development and commercial sites.
I spend a large part of my time developing highway and drainage designs using software such as AutoCAD and Site 3D. This includes setting levels, designing surface water and foul drainage networks, and ensuring designs comply with relevant standards such as DMRB and local authority guidance.
Alongside design work, I coordinate with external parties and other disciplines, organising and chasing inputs such as surveys, utilities information, lighting design, and arboricultural reports. I also support the progression of projects through approvals, including S38 and S278 agreements.
I regularly review drawings and identify potential issues, resolving clashes and ensuring the design works effectively in practice. In addition, I contribute to the management of projects by monitoring progress, managing information flow, and supporting cost control.
Overall, my role is focused on producing practical, compliant designs and helping to move projects efficiently from concept through to approval and construction.

I am on the correct training agreement, and the structure in place is well organised and clear. At PBA, there is a excellent level of support, including the allowance of study days to meet the 20% time requirement.
There is also a clear progression pathway linked to the ICE IPD programme, which helps me understand what areas I need to develop. PBA support this by helping me gain the necessary experience through guidance from line managers and mentors.

As mentioned previously, there is an excellent level of support at PBA. This includes regular catch-ups with line managers, clear goals being set, and an open-door approach to HR if any issues arise, whether related to work or studies.

My training provider Portsmouth University does give me a good amount of support, thing raised in the quartile review are not always acted on a quickly as hoped and most benefit the following year students.

My qualification is in Civil and Structural Engineering, and I work as a Civil Engineer. Although some modules do not directly relate to my day-to-day role, I feel the qualification significantly improves my overall performance. It has helped me develop a broader understanding of the built environment, which enables me to better coordinate across different disciplines and aspects of a project.

Yes

The company is very open with its staff and provides a strong level of support. As a civil engineer, you are given a varied workload across different projects, and due to PBA being a smaller company, you are likely to take on more responsibility compared to larger civil engineering firms. It is a great environment for someone who takes pride in their work and is keen to learn and develop.