SWTRA Apprenticeships - Jack's story

 I applied as an apprentice at SWTRA because they was offering a apprenticeship for people with a desire for civil engineering on the roads and it covers a lot of aspects of civil engineering from environment, structures, road and office work.

I started as an apprentice because I had an interest in civil engineering from a young age so I could expand my knowledge from learning in college and getting experience of the working environment.

I believe staring your career as an apprentice is the best options to take for young people as you can gain experience and learn for your course so it sets you up in a good position to go anywhere in the industry as most firms want experience as well as a qualification. Its also beneficial as your earning while you’re learning.

In the future I would like to progress my career and role in SWTRA by working my way up through the company as well as obtaining more qualifications and gaining new experiences in civil engineering.

As an apprentice I have learned so many things and gained a lot of opportunities. The main points are that I have learned how to work in an office and site based work space, I’ve learned how to do my job as a civils engineer efficiently and effectively.  

At SWTRA I have received support off everyone from the company from senior managers to other apprentices and engineers. When stuck with college work, everyone is more than happy to sit down with you and help you with it which is so helpful. Also any work based issues there is help and support throughout the company available.

One of the main benefits of an apprentice you can start from the bottom. I joined SWTRA after school, so I joined with only my GCSEs and now going onto to gain my level 3 in civil engineering.

 I recommend when starting an apprenticeship to keep on top of all college work as sometimes the work load can be quite a lot when you’re behind while trying to complete work from college and your job.