How would you describe your current role?

Motivating – I feel that there is so much more to learn yet I can still see the huge progress that I have made in my knowledge and experience within the role since the start of my apprenticeship.

 

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

I became an apprentice because I had a tough experience through my years in education of battling with my mental health and I felt that university was not the right place for me. I needed to apply my skills and keep myself busy and an apprenticeship allowed me to do that. Luckily, I was aware of the skills I had in creativity and design, and this led me to finding a role in Civil Engineering. I went for an interview after applying for the apprenticeship and quickly became aware that my qualifications and experience was naturally well suited to the role.

 

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

I didn’t know anything at all about highways and transportation therefore I did not form an impression of the industry. I had never taken much notice of the infrastructure that supports our society so from the start of my apprenticeship I have had so much to learn.

 

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the fact that there is something new to learn every day on the job. One day I may be learning about traffic signs and then the next I am learning about net zero and how we can contribute to that within our design. There is always going to be room for growth within this business and I think that is what set this job aside from the rest because I was never going to grow bored of what I was doing

There is always going to be room for growth within this business and I think that is what set this job aside from the rest

Which bits of your job are the most challenging?

I find it challenging sometimes when the business lacks in work. Due to the nature of the industry in certain months, like January, I find that utilisation is down due to projects waiting to begin. This can be difficult to me because I like to keep myself busy, but I have found that this is a good time to focus on developing my knowledge in areas that I feel I am lacking knowledge in.

 

How have you benefitted from your apprenticeship?

Because of my apprenticeship I feel that I have sped up the process of developing an understanding of how everything we are taught in university applies to the workplace. I have had more opportunities to integrate with people who have been in the industry for most of their lives, and I have had the pleasure of most of those people offering their advice and knowledge to me.

 

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

I would tell them to go for it. There are so many avenues you could go down within highways and transportation. Find the one that is right for you and what you are interested in.

 

How important is it to be part of a professional institution?

I feel that it is important to be part of a professional institution because they bring support and opportunities to their members. You are also joining as part of a community of people with varying skills and experience within the industry which helps you to discover the career path you want to go down.

You are joining a community.....which helps you to discover the career path you want to go down.

In what ways do you make use of being part of a professional institution?

I have made use of the professional institution by attaining my EngTech professional qualification through CIHT. They were supportive and gave me constructive feedback that has since helped me in my role.

 

How has CIHT supported you in your apprenticeship?  How will CIHT help you in your professional development and furthering your career?

CIHT has supported me throughout my apprenticeship with the resources that are provided and in allowing us to participate in opportunities such as applying for and attaining the EngTech qualification. It has allowed me to be recognised by other professionals within the industry and will continue to do so. I am excited to further my career with the aid of CIHT as I have seen it happen for other apprentices.

 

Rachel Ryan, Undergraduate Civil Engineer at WSP

 

    

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.