Charlotte Wojcik – Case Study
Age: 21
Company: Atkins
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love the variety of work and the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of individuals across different engineering specialisms, each at their own unique position in their career.
I love networking within the professional world to learn about potential career paths and hearing the journey that others have been on, whilst gaining real project experience myself. It is so interesting to see how civil engineering impacts so many aspects of everyday life, and how my contribution in a project will be evident in the practical output of a project’s delivery.
What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
Currently I am working on a DSEAR compliance programme for a water company. This involves gathering existing data documents from the client regarding their water treatment assets and then completing Explosive Protection Documents based on this information. This work allows me to experience many aspects of successful project delivery, including direct communication with the client, time allocation, financial planning and quality assurance procedures, amongst much more. Alongside this, I am involved in a range of projects through my ability to assist in the production of engineering drawings using AutoCAD and the Civil 3D package. This can involve producing indicative drawings to include within general site reports but can range to producing accurate surface models which can be used to perform a range of calculations in order to develop engineering designs.
What does a typical day at work involve?
A typical day at work involves a lot of communication. Since working from home, this has all become virtual. This means keeping on top of emails and using various other virtual communication methods to ensure that I am staying productive with my time and completing all work to the highest standard, as efficiently as possible. I attend daily catch-up video calls with my team to ensure we are all managing to complete our work and to update each other on any issues. This also allows us to check in on each other, as working from home can feel quite isolating at times. This contact, although still virtual, can really help to boost morale and in turn, productivity levels.
What do you see as the biggest challenges in your job?
I would say that the biggest challenge in my job is learning when to ask for help and when to trust myself and my knowledge. Joining the workplace through an apprenticeship having had little- to-no prior experience of the professional workplace, made me very nervous. I lacked confidence as one of the youngest members of the team and put a lot of pressure on myself. It was overwhelming when tasked with new work when I doubted myself and my ability. However, the most important thing is remembering that engineers must always put safety first and complete their work competently. Therefore, although it can seem daunting asking for help, I have to face this challenge and realise that I am still learning and asking questions is the best way to make sure I am carrying out the work correctly.
What encouraged you to do an Apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship as I had spent so long in education from primary school through to sixth form, that I decided that I wanted to start applying my knowledge to the workplace and begin my practical career. However, I do enjoy learning in an academic setting as well. Therefore, an apprenticeship would allow me to study whilst also gaining practical experience.
What did you do prior to your Apprenticeship?
Prior to my apprenticeship, I went to sixth form and achieved A-levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics. I also got an AS Level in Chemistry.
What are the benefits?
I think that the main benefit of an apprenticeship is being able to gain experience whilst still studying. I have personally found education more enjoyable being able to directly see the application of it within the civil engineering industry.
However, there are many more benefits including the opportunity to earn money whilst also having education fees covered by your employer.
How did your End Point Assessment go and what was the value of this to your job?
In August 2020 I completed my End Point Assessment achieving my EngTech accreditation from the ICE in the process. I completed the final presentation virtually to two ICE Assessors, which was followed by a virtual interview. This was daunting; however, it was a great experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. Not only did I have the opportunity to present my knowledge and progress from over the past two years, I was able to discuss topics with the two Assessors and learn from their experience too.
This assessment allowed me to mark the completion of my Advanced Apprenticeship with Atkins (and training provider STEGTA), after two years of studying at college, gaining office based civil engineering experience and documenting my progression and development within my competence based portfolio.
Being registered as an Engineering Technician allows me to be professionally recognised within the industry, certifying my ability and experience.
What are your future plans?
Since completing my Level 3 apprenticeship, I have progressed onto a Higher Apprenticeship and am currently working towards an HNC in Civil Engineering at Teesside University. I plan to complete this, and then progress further to complete the Degree, whilst working towards my End Point Assessment from which I hope to earn my Incorporated Engineer status. In the future I hope to gain enough experience and knowledge through my career to earn Chartered status from the ICE and Engineering Council.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I love baking! Aside from STEM subjects, I have always loved art and design topics and making things. I find that baking combines the best elements of scientific experimentation with my creativity with the reward of creating something edible at the end!!