Ryan, Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice
Ryan, Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice
Tell us about your role within the company you work for and what it involves. How does it relate to the degree apprenticeship?
I am currently employed at Kier as a Senior Design Engineer within the drainage team. I am operating as a part of Kier Design Services (KDS), a broader design services team within Kier Transportation. My responsibilities include a wide range of tasks, with a primary focus on creating drainage schemes aimed at flood prevention and enhancing water quality.
The Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship aligns seamlessly with my role, enhancing my comprehension of complementary engineering disciplines. This has significantly enhanced my design skills and supported my grasp of fluid mechanics and its underlying principles. The apprenticeship has proven invaluable in strengthening my capacity to contribute effectively to drainage projects, thus reinforcing my role within the KDS team.
How have you found balancing study for the apprenticeship, but also having a busy working life – any hints and tips?
Balancing academia and personal life proved challenging during my five years of study. Within this timeframe, I moved house twice, tied the knot, and welcomed two children into my life. A key piece of advice is the importance of making the most of every moment during block release periods. It's crucial, wherever possible, to focus on completing coursework and assignments before returning to the responsibilities of work and home, which is often full of potential distractions.
What would you say were the benefits of doing an apprenticeship in comparison to returning to full-time education?
The advantages of a degree apprenticeship are straightforward: you earn while you learn, applying your learnt knowledge to your career. This reciprocal relationship allows your career to enrich your academic work. Ultimately, upon graduation, you emerge as a graduate armed with a minimum of five years' experience.
How has studying for a degree apprenticeship benefited your future career? Has it opened new doors or progression for you?
Once I successfully complete the end point assessment (EPA) and achieve the status of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), I will have the authority to approve drainage schemes in my professional capacity.
The completion of this course has not only marked a significant milestone in my career, but has also paved the way for me to embark on a Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering Management.
A degree apprenticeship can benefit more than just the apprentice, providing opportunities for others in the company to step up. Have you seen any positive developments in your team as well as in yourself?
The apprenticeship programme has received positive feedback from my colleagues at Kier, and its success is evident as several team members are actively exploring opportunities to enrol on the course. This underscores the programme's value and its impact on professional development within our team.
What has your experience of studying a degree apprenticeship with Exeter been like?
My overall experience of the course has been extremely positive. The course is well-structured with diverse content. The lecturers, possessing extensive knowledge, are not only helpful but also eager to assist. Both the programme lead, and the degree apprenticeship admin team prove to be approachable, friendly, and supportive.
After finishing my A-levels and starting my career, the idea of studying at a Russell Group university six years later seemed impossible. However, with the degree apprenticeship, what once seemed impossible became a reality. Looking back on my experience at the University of Exeter, I have fond memories that will stay with me forever.
