Thomas O’Dwyer – Case Study
Employer: Mott MacDonald
Job Title: Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Standard
Why did you decide to follow the route of an Apprentice?
At Secondary school I did a subject called Design Engineer Construct (DEC!) from this I gained work experience on the Thames Tideway project. It was on this work experience that I fell in love with Civil Engineering I loved the idea of being in the background solving problems that people hadn’t thought of. I was eager to start work and the Apprenticeship route gave me the perfect opportunity to start working within Civil Engineering and continue with my education. Upon completion of my GCSE’s, I started my Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
My typical day starts at 9am and usually consists of completing/working on some sort of CAD/BIM Design/model this can range from designing a new drainage network, 3D modelling ditches or drawing a GA’s. Throughout the day, I will be involved with team meetings to discuss project updates and issues these will either be face to face or over the phone or during COVID via teams or Zoom. It is also likely I will help with the projects admin by taking minutes at a meeting or by updating various schedules.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The most enjoyment I get from my job is when I’m faced with a problem, I don’t know how to start let alone solve, only to break it down and work through it and come up with a solution. The greatest amount of job satisfaction I get, is when I see the part of the design that I worked on come into fruition, it’s pretty crazy to think something that I designed will affect people’s lives for years to come. Another favourite of mine, is the knowledge you gain from the on the job learning which I love to share. The topic I am currently boring my family to death with is the different types of drainage systems there are in place.
How did your STEGTA Training Officer and Employer support you throughout your Apprenticeship?
My STEGTA training officer was very supportive throughout my Level 3 Apprenticeship and always available to answer my questions. My employer, Mott MacDonald, were also very supportive especially Sarah Crane (my Line Manager). Sarah even put me in contact with different divisions helping me gain the experience that was required to complete all nine sections of my attributes as required to support my Apprenticeship programme.
How did you prepare for the End Point Assessment process?
To prepare for my EPA I read through the guidance and made sure I completed my work to the best of my ability. I also talked to others who had already gained their EngTech status, about challenges they faced and questions they were asked. When I had my presentation prepared, I presented it to my team, by doing this I was able to gain advice from more experienced engineers.
How has your role developed since starting with your employer?
My role has definitely evolved since I started my Apprenticeship. I originally started in the Integrated Transport Department working as a Traffic Engineering Technician on projects such as NHS nightingale, the Hong Kong Airport 3rd runway expansion and Cambridge South East Transport project. I was originally supervised until I gained more experience eventually becoming the Lead Technician on some projects. Upon completion of my Level 3 Apprenticeship, I transferred departments to the Buildings and Infrastructure division in order to gain a greater exposure to all aspects of Civil Engineering and to improve my CAD and BIM skills further still.
Do you hope to progress to any further training/higher education?
I have recently started my Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald, studying Civil Engineering at the University of West London. At the same time, I will be working on gaining my IEng Status with the Institute of Civil Engineering’s. After I complete my Degree, I would like to go on to complete my Masters while working, with the aim of eventually being chartered with the ICE.
What would you say to someone considering a career in this industry?
Just like University isn’t for everyone, Apprenticeships aren’t for everyone. It’s tough sometimes to balance both work and college/University studies, but as Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘Anything worth doing is hard.’
For me personally I definitely made the right choice and I enjoy the work / life balance. My biggest tips would be, to show a positive attitude and say yes to every opportunity that comes across your desk and to listen to advice from everyone so you can make informed choices. We have two ears and one mouth so by that token we should do twice as much listening as we do talking.