Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
As a Workplace Mentor for the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (CEDA), you will play a key role in supporting Apprentices through their academic and professional development. Your main responsibility is to help Apprentices integrate their workplace experience with the programme's academic and professional expectations. You will ensure that Apprentices stay on course to achieve their learning goals, complete their Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) portfolio, and accurately record their off-the-job (OTJ) training hours. This role requires regular communication with both the Apprentice and their academic mentor to track progress, identify areas for growth, and provide constructive feedback.
On this page:
Programme Overview
The Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Exeter offers a comprehensive blend of academic study and practical experience, equipping Apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in civil engineering. This innovative programme enables Apprentices to earn a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering while gaining hands-on training with their employer, all in accordance with industry standards and expectations.
The programme offers two entry points: direct entry to the Level 6 apprenticeship or progression from a Level 4 apprenticeship to Level 6 in the third academic year.
Programme Overview:
- Duration: 5 years
- Qualification: BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering; IfATE Level 6 Apprenticeship
- Professional recognition: eligibility for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status upon completion
The apprenticeship is suitable for both individuals new to the industry and those with prior experience looking to advance their knowledge, skills, and gain a recognised professional qualification.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's (IfATE) apprenticeship standard which sets out the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours for this programme can be found here.
Key Components
Academic learning:
- Apprentices will cover a wide range of subjects, including project management, mathematics, geotechnics, structural engineering, and sustainable development and safety
- block teaching sessions allow Apprentices to fully engage with the curriculum and take advantage of the University's state-of-the-art facilities, including recently refurbished laboratories following a £6.5 million investment
- the programme is developed in collaboration with industry leaders such as Laing O’Rourke, the UK’s largest privately-owned construction firm; Bouygues, a leading construction company; WSP, an international consultancy; and EDF Energy, one of the UK’s largest energy providers
Work-based projects:
- Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in the construction industry, working with consultants, contractors, or clients on projects ranging from small-scale to multi-billion-pound ventures
- they will apply the knowledge acquired through university modules while developing practical skills in their job roles
Professional qualification: the BEng Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and meets the educational requirements for:
- full qualification as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- partial qualification for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
End-point assessment: Apprentices will undergo a final review of the KSBs they have developed throughout the apprenticeship. Successful completion will result in the award of an Apprenticeship Certificate and professional IEng qualification with the Engineering Council.
Role of the Workplace Mentor: your role as a Workplace Mentor is essential in helping Apprentices achieve their KSBs. This involves attending regular review meetings with both the Apprentice and Academic Mentor, identifying gaps between theoretical learning and practical application, and supporting their academic and professional development.
Meet the Team
At the heart of the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (CEDA) programme is a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting both Mentors and Apprentices throughout their journey. Our team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for developing future leaders in management.
Abdul Mannan Yousfani
Email: a.yousfani@exeter.ac.uk
I serve as the Programme Director and Lead Academic Mentor for the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme at the University of Exeter. With approximately four years of academic experience both in the UK and internationally, I have held various management and tutorial roles that support Apprentices in achieving their Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) as well as their end-point assessment (EPA). As Programme Director, I am committed to providing an exceptional academic experience at the university, offering modules that are aligned with industry standards and are technically current.
Abdul Mannan Yousfani - a.yousfani@exeter.ac.uk - Read more about Abdul Here
Our Academic Mentors are dedicated to supporting Apprentices in navigating the apprenticeship components of the CEDA programme. They play a crucial role in guiding Apprentices through the process of compiling their portfolio of evidence, which showcases their learning and development throughout the programme.
Academic Mentors work closely with Apprentices to ensure that they understand the requirements for their portfolios, helping them to document their experiences, reflect on their learning, and demonstrate the competencies gained in the workplace. By providing ongoing support and feedback, our Academic Mentors empower Apprentices to effectively articulate their achievements and prepare for their end-point assessment (EPA). Their focus on practical application and real-world experiences is essential in helping Apprentices succeed in their management roles.
Academic Mentors
Lead Academic Mentor - Abdul Mannan Yousfani - a.yousfani@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Abdul Here
Gordon Davis - g.davis4@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Gordon Here
Ryan Keytes | Read more about Ryan Here
Molly Drinkald - mjd235@exeter.ac.uk | Read More about Molly Here
Evdokia Gyftaki - e.gyftaki@exeter.ac.uk
Alex Osborne - a.osborne3@exeter.ac.uk
Ben Brown - bsb206@exeter.ac.uk
Rohima Ahmed - Education Support Administrator - r.ahmed@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Rohima Here
Anna Sitko - Education Support Administrator - a.sitko@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Anna Here
Jonny Gurr - Employer Partnership Officer - j.gurr@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Jonny Here
Your Commitment Matters
Each member of our team is dedicated to ensuring that Mentors have the resources and support they need to guide Apprentices effectively. We believe that a strong Mentor-Apprentice relationship is key to the success of the CEDA programme, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, or for additional support. Together, we can make a significant impact on the professional growth of our Apprentices.
Key Information and Events
Staying informed about important dates and events is crucial for effectively supporting your Apprentice throughout their CEDA journey. Below are the key milestones and events for the current academic year. Please note that specific dates may vary slightly for individual Apprentices based on their start date.
Initial Contact and Meeting
Shortly after the Apprentice's induction, the Academic Mentor will contact you as the Workplace Mentor to arrange an initial meeting with you. While this meeting is not compulsory, it is highly recommended as it provides an excellent opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the apprenticeship journey.
This initial meeting allows all parties to:
- Introduce themselves and clarify their roles
- Discuss expectations for the apprenticeship
- Address any initial questions or concerns
- Begin building a collaborative relationship
As a Workplace Mentor, your role in supporting your Apprentice's development is crucial. There may be times when concerns arise about an Apprentice's performance or progress. It's important to address these issues promptly and effectively to ensure the best possible outcome for the Apprentice and the apprenticeship programme.
Recognising Performance Challenges
When an Apprentice is struggling, the Academic Mentor will typically notify you via email as part of the escalation process. This communication will outline the specific concerns regarding the Apprentice's performance, such as:
- Consistently missing deadlines
- Poor quality of work
- Lack of engagement in learning activities
- Failure to meet off-the-job (OTJ) training requirements
- Difficulties in applying learning to workplace tasks
Your Role in Addressing Concerns
Upon receiving notification from the Academic Mentor regarding performance challenges, your first step should be to meet with the Apprentice to discuss the issues raised. Here’s how to approach this:
- Arrange a meeting: schedule a private meeting with your Apprentice to discuss the concerns outlined in the Academic Mentor's email
- Ascertain the problem: use this opportunity to understand the extent of the problem; encourage your Apprentice to share their perspective and any challenges they may be facing
- Explore solutions: collaborate with your Apprentice to identify potential solutions or strategies to address the identified challenges
- Create an action plan: work together to develop a clear, achievable action plan that includes specific goals and timelines for improvement
- Follow up: schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide ongoing support as needed
- Document the process: keep records of your meetings, the agreed-upon actions, and the Apprentice's progress
Seeking Additional Support
If you need clarification or further assistance:
- Consult with the Academic Mentor: if you have questions about the situation or need more information about the apprenticeship requirements, reach out to the Academic Mentor for guidance
- Escalation process: if the performance issues persist despite your interventions, or if you encounter a problem that you feel unable to resolve, inform the Academic Mentor
Preventive Measures
To help prevent performance issues:
- Maintain regular check-ins with your Apprentice, such as weekly or bi-weekly meetings
- Provide timely feedback on their work and progress
- Ensure they have adequate time and resources for their OTJ training
- Encourage open communication about any challenges they're facing
Remember, your primary role in addressing concerns is to support your Apprentice's success in the programme. By taking a proactive, supportive approach and addressing issues early, you can help your Apprentice overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
- Workplace Mentor Training: Date to be announced.
If you would like to view the recording of the previous training session, please email Jonny Gurr - Employer Partnership Officer - j.gurr@exeter.ac.uk.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. I look forward to hearing from you!
Abdul Mannan Yousfani
Programme Director & Lead Academic Mentor
Email: a.yousfani@exeter.ac.uk
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Abdul Mannan Yousfani
Email: a.yousfani@exeter.ac.uk
I serve as the Programme Director and Lead Academic Mentor for the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme at the University of Exeter. With approximately four years of academic experience both in the UK and internationally, I have held various management and tutorial roles that support Apprentices in achieving their KSBs as well as their End-Point Assessment (EPA).
In my role as an Academic Mentor, I am dedicated to supporting Apprentices in meeting their KSBs while ensuring compliance with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding rules for apprenticeships.
Gordon Davis BEng (Hons.) CEng CEnv FICE
Email: g.davis4@exeter.ac.uk
I am a chartered civil and environmental engineer with 37 years of experience in the planning, design, management and delivery of civil engineering infrastructure.
During my career I have been involved in delivering civil engineering schemes for both the private and public sector. I have developed training courses for civil engineers, and I have been an integral part of national graduate recruitment and selection campaigns for major brand consultancies.
Since 2008 I have been a reviewer with the Institution of Civil Engineers assessing candidates at the EngTech, IEng and CEng grades.
I am delighted to be able to use this experience to help guide aspiring civil engineering professionals through their apprenticeship at Exeter University and assist them with being successful at their End Point Assessment.
Ben Brown
Ryan Keytes
Email: rck205@exeter.ac.uk
I have over a decade of engineering experience and currently work as a Senior Design Engineer at Kier within the drainage team. In 2023, I graduated with first-class honours from the CEDA programme and was one of the first to pass the End-Point Assessment (EPA) for my Incorporated Engineer (IEng) accreditation with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). I’m now working towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status while studying part-time for an MSc in Engineering Management. As an ICE Supervising Civil Engineer (SCE), I’ve experienced the apprenticeship process from all angles, and once I achieve CEng, I plan to become a reviewer for both conventional routes and the apprenticeship End Point Assessment.
I’m here to support your Apprentice(s) throughout their journey, helping them achieve their KSBs, track off-the-job learning, and provide academic guidance.
Molly Drinkald
Email: mjd235@exeter.ac.uk
Molly has recently joined the University of Exeter as an academic mentor and associate lecturer on the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme. She has previously completed the program herself and has achieved Incorporated Engineer status with the ICE after successfully completing her End Point Assessment. Molly has 6 years of experience as a Bridge Engineer with WSP and 1 year experience in Highway Drainage with Kier. She is currently working for Kier as a Drainage Engineer alongside her responsibilities at the university.
Anna Sitko
Email: a.sitko@exeter.ac.uk
Anna Sitko is an Education Support Administrator who is the first point of contact for apprentices on the CEDA programme. Anna enjoys working with students in a range of areas from admissions to coursework submission. Anna is on hand to ensure apprentices are equipped with all the information they need to feel appropriately supported whilst on programme.
Jonny Gurr
Email: j.gurr@exeter.ac.uk
Jonny is an Employer Partnership Officer responsible for supporting organisations with onboarding prospective Apprentices from the initial marketing stage through to contracting and providing progress reports. He works closely with the academic and administrative support team to provide employer partners with a smooth apprenticeship experience.
