Will Summers – Case Study
Age: 21
Company: AECOM
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Rail Engineering Design Technician Apprenticeship Standard
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy working as part of a large project team in order to accomplish tasks and meet tight deadlines. I also enjoy working with colleagues, learning new skills and expanding my knowledge of software and procedures so that I can produce my work to a better standard. It is really rewarding finding solutions in order to overcome any problems/issues that may arise.
What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
For most of my apprenticeship I worked on a project called Old Oak Common Depot Decommissioning, this is part of the enabling works for HS2. I felt really privileged to work on such a large project so early in my career and feel as though it has given me good exposure to develop my CAD skills.
What does a typical day at work involve?
As a CAD technician, a typical day at work for me involves producing a range of 3D models, including buildings and proposed railway infrastructure. As well as detailed engineering drawings in order to convey engineering designs. It is my job to ensure all CAD files are produced to standard and provide CAD support to the other members in my team.
What do you see as the biggest challenges in your job?
Project deadlines can be quite daunting, knowing I have responsibilities to enable the project’s success and only a short amount of time to complete it; but it keeps me motivated to get the job done.
What encouraged you to do an Apprenticeship?
I was halfway through my A-Levels and struggling to find a Degree that I would want to study at University so I started looking on the government website for apprenticeships. They sounded like a great way to earn a wage while getting the same level of qualifications as my friends who were going to University, whilst funded by the company. Compared to someone coming into the industry as a graduate, an apprentice has a good 3/4 years of valuable work experience that can give them a strong advantage.
What did you do prior to your Apprenticeship?
Throughout my school life I always tried to choose practical subjects; studying Engineering at GCSE and then Product Design at AS level. I feel this has set me up well for a career in engineering and gave me a good knowledge base for starting my Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Engineering.
What are the benefits?
Since starting my apprenticeship, I have learnt a whole new range of skills; whether that be technical, professional or personal skills. It is enjoyable coming into work every day and working with a great group of colleagues, who have all been very welcoming and happy to help. Apprenticeships are a great way to get your foot in the door at a company and help build a good foundation to progress your career in an industry.
How did your End Point Assessment go? What was the value of this to your job?
My end point assessment gave me the opportunity to research lots of different topics that I wouldn’t normally look at in my day-to-day job. It was particularly beneficial to sit down with some senior engineers and pick their brains about engineering procedures and best practices. I was also able to summarise and look back on my achievements and things that I’d learnt over my apprenticeship.
What are your future plans?
My plans are to progress my career as a CAD technician as there is a great demand for CAD technicians and large projects such as HS2 will ensure that this demand continues for many more years to come. I hope to continue expanding my engineering knowledge and technical CAD skills.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Outside of work I enjoy playing lots of sports, from a young age I have played football, rugby and cricket.