How would you describe your current role?

As a civil engineer, me and my team are responsible for supervising sub-contractors on site, providing permits, keeping records of check sheets, providing health and safety standards, maintaining as-builts of what is being accomplished each day on site and collating relevant documents for the handover process.

 

How did you get into your current role and why did you become an apprentice?

In January 2019 I left university after studying sports science for five months as it wasn’t really for me, even though I enjoyed it. I originally had no idea which type of apprenticeship I wanted to start so I was researching, going to career events and began eliminating careers I didn’t want to go into. I was at my third career event where I met two colleagues from Morgan Sindall Infrastructure who gave me an interest in engineering. I always liked problem solving, getting stuck in and designing/buildings things from scratch so I thought I’d give civil engineering a shot.

I always liked problem solving, getting stuck in and designing/buildings things from scratch so I thought I’d give civil engineering a shot

How much did you know about highways and transportation before you started in this role?  What was your impression of the industry?

I began as an apprentice civil engineer on a highways project on the M27 where I had zero knowledge of engineering. My colleagues and college days gave me a basic understanding of engineering.

 

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Looking back at the first six months of my apprenticeship I liked the fact that everyone I worked with understood that I was new to the industry, and that they slowly fed me information on how to do things the right way, as well as useful tips for the future.

I’ve also had the freedom to experience different roles around the project, take on more responsibility at suitable times, working with very experienced people who have time to teach me new things and have independence to complete tasks that are asked of me.

I also like having one day a week where I attend college/university where I meet other apprentices from different projects, and listening to their experiences and what they do for a career.

 

Which bits of your job are the most challenging?

Balancing work and college/university work is sometimes a struggle especially when assessments must be handed in. If you plan ahead and balance workload smartly you can make it easier for yourself.

Also, for me I found the first couple of weeks if difficult because you’re trying to get used to a new job/role and you are meeting new people. You won’t have any knowledge and there is so much to learn, but your employer and colleagues will assist you with this.

There is so much to learn, but your employer and colleagues will assist you with this

How have you benefitted from your apprenticeship?

I always remind young people that it sometimes takes time to find something that you enjoy. I was always pushed too hard at school to find a career that I want to go into, and I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my working career. When I was 18 and when I left university, I was slightly worried if I would ever find work that I'd enjoy.

To be honest even though I’m enjoying my time as an engineer, I don’t know if I want to be an engineer forever, but I want to stay in the construction industry because I’ve learnt so much and there’s a lot more to learn.

 

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of getting a job in highways and transportation?

I would recommend apprenticeships however, there are some careers that require you to go to university so sometimes this is a more suitable pathway.

Since beginning engineering in 2019 I’ve realised how many different careers there are in construction. Even though I’ve started off as an engineer I can see how many different pathways and options there are if I ever wanted a change. For example, I’ve been working with ecologists, planners, quantity surveyors, health and safety specialists and environmentalists.

I’ve met so many amazing people and if I work hard and leave a good impression on others, I have contacts who will go into many different roles and maybe more options will become available to me.

Connor Hounsell, Apprentice Civil Engineer at Morgan Sindall.

 

CIHT Statement

The opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the CIHT or its members. Neither the CIHT nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.