Isabel
Former A Level Maths, Psychology, Graphics & Illustration and Extended Project Qualification student Isabel share's her experience as a Civil Engineer Apprentice with Kier.
Previous school: Bodmin College
Courses studied: A Levels in Maths, Psychology and Graphics & Illustration
Extra activities: Extended Project Qualification
Progression: Level 6 Civil Engineer Apprenticeship - Kier
What does your role as an apprentice involve?
My role is a Trainee Civil Engineer mostly includes document control and quality control. Document control includes making sure all of the correct paperwork is completed and stored, that we follow the correct processes such as using BIM (building information management) and that drawings for the project are in the correct place and are the most recent issue. Quality control is ensuring that everything is done to the correct standard, such as making sure things are built in the correct place by using equipment like a dumpy level, GPS or total station, and that they are to the correct size by reading the drawings.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship over going to university as when I left college I didn’t know what I wanted to do and wasn’t looking forward to having to move away from home for uni, so I felt that working and looking at what apprenticeships were available would give me more time to decide.
While I was at Callywith I did want to go to university as I thought that the positives were more important than the negatives of going however, staff were helpful with telling me that university isn't the only option and that I could take some time to decide.
What's the best thing about an apprenticeship?
The best thing about my apprenticeship is that I can relate things I learn at university to my job which helps me to get a better understanding and how collaborative my job is
What would you like to do in the future?
I think that eventually I would like to work my way up to be a project manager or possibly look into being a civil engineer in design.
What's your advice for students considering an apprenticeship after college?
If you are considering an apprenticeship my advice would be to speak to as many other apprentices in the same field to get a good understanding of day to day activities and see if it sounds like something you would be interested in. Also if you are unsure, still apply because the worst that can happen is you don't get the job and you have gained the experience from writing the application.