My Journey Through a Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship: A Graduate Engineer’s Perspective
As a structural engineering graduate, Liam’s journey took an alternative path to the traditional university route. He pursued a degree apprenticeship at Superstructures, which allowed him to blend hands-on industry experience with academic learning. Liam believes degree apprenticeships are the ideal pathway to success for anyone considering entering the engineering world. Read on to find out more!
Liam, why did you choose a Degree Apprenticeship?
I chose a degree apprenticeship because it offered the perfect balance between gaining real-world experience and obtaining my degree. The hands-on nature of the apprenticeship meant that everything I learned at university could be directly applied to my work and vice versa. Plus, I didn’t have to choose between starting a career and getting a degree—I got to do both simultaneously.
How would you describe your experience at university and work? Was it hard to balance doing both at the same time?
I completed my degree at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Chelmsford. The 20% off-the-job training requirement provided by the apprenticeship scheme helped me balance work and study. This meant I had one dedicated day a week for university studies, making it easier to manage the dual workload.
Throughout my apprenticeship, alongside my university studies, I was able to work on various projects at Superstructures, ranging from domestic renovations to large-scale housing developments. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in designing different structural elements and taught me the critical importance of teamwork and communication, especially when managing clients and larger project teams.
What crucial lesson did you learn as an Apprentice Structural Engineer?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was balancing the technical and occupational aspects of engineering. While the technical side—designing structural elements for buildings—was crucial, the ability to work in teams and communicate effectively with clients was equally important. These skills are critical, especially when working on larger projects, and they’re not something you can learn in a classroom.
What skills and qualifications can you gain through a Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship?
Through my apprenticeship, I gained a deep understanding of structural design, project management, and client communication. I’m also progressing toward my ICE IEng accreditation, which is a significant milestone in my career development. Working in a real-world environment has given me a head start in acquiring the skills needed for this professional qualification.
What career progression is available once you become a Graduate Engineer?
Currently, I’m a Graduate Engineer at Superstructures with my own project responsibilities. I also assist younger apprentices as they progress through their apprenticeships, which has been a rewarding experience. It’s exciting to see how far I’ve come since starting as an apprentice myself, and I enjoy supporting the next generation of engineers.
Do you have any advice for future Apprentices?
If you’re considering a career in engineering, I highly encourage you to actively seek out degree apprenticeships. In my opinion, they are the golden ticket for anyone looking to break into the industry. Not only do you earn a degree, but you also gain invaluable experience that will set you apart from others. If degree apprenticeships aren’t widely known in your Industry or company, take the initiative to educate others on their benefits. Many companies may not realise how advantageous they can be, both for the business and the apprentice.
Conclusion
Liam describes his degree apprenticeship as being a fulfilling and valuable experience, preparing him for a rewarding career in structural engineering. It’s a route he would highly recommend to anyone serious about building a strong foundation in the field.
