Civil Engineering, Level 3
What made you choose this apprenticeship?
After I left school, I went to college to study for an L3 extended diploma in engineering. In March, Covid hit, and my course was affected. I worked at Morrisons for a year and half but I really wanted to do an apprenticeship.
Some of my friends are at university but it makes sense to get paid for studying and I wanted to stay at home.
I chose BCC because I wanted to work locally.
What has your journey been like?
Since joining BCC 5 months ago, I've learnt a lot. I'm with Weston College and I like my teacher. He explains the assignments properly and replies to messages promptly outside of college time.
I'm learning a designing tool, called Auto Cad. It's used for drawing. I use it for designing signs. There's a school in Hartcliffe and they want people to stop from parking in front of the entrance and near by, so I designed the bollards for the road. I needed to speak to the client to install them. I'm working with two people from within the team. I get assigned a number of small projects like this which are school related.
The team are very welcoming and I've fitted in well.
What challenges have you faced during your apprenticeship?
I struggled with Auto Cad at the start but I'm familiar with it now. Juggling work and studying can be challenging but I plan it out and use a time planner and do the assignments every day. We get assignments once every 3 weeks with plenty of time to plan them out.
What life skills is your apprenticeship teaching you?
I used to hate calling people up but talking to contractors has given me confidence and I feel more professional about what I'm talking about.
What are your plans once you have completed?
I'll finish in 3 years and then I hope to progress within this team.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
Yes I would. You can study and get paid at the same time rather than go into debt. You are more likely to get a job after an apprenticeship. The employer trains you up and you develop a relationship with them.
