Why apprenticeships are perfect if you’re unsure of which career path to take

At age 16 I opted to leave full time education in favour of the working world, beginning my journey as an apprentice electrician.

This fulfilled my desire to learn physical skills and theoretical knowledge, but it didn’t present me with the opportunities I’d hoped.

I made the tough decision to change careers and pursued a job as an air conditioning engineer.

For three years, I gained a better understanding of the construction industry, as well as valuable skills and knowledge.

However, my career path felt limited within the air conditioning sector and so I took the opportunity to change career again, into the civil engineering sector.

My first step was to join Awcock Ward Partnership (AWP) as an apprentice technician.

I was determined to develop my career and gain qualifications under the mentorship of this well-established civil engineering consultancy.

AWP Exeter's commitment to apprenticeships

I joined the level 3 ONC (Ordinary National Certificate) civil engineering apprenticeship five months after the course started.

I had to catch up and did so by submitting double assignments each month. I secured distinctions in each syllabus unit, the highest grades possible.

Beginning a new apprenticeship when the course had already started, within a sector I had no prior experience in, is something that came with worries and doubts.

But an eagerness to learn was met with a dedication to teach and develop by my colleagues and mentors at AWP.

An unexpected accolade

With the support of AWP and their academy program I was able to pass my end-point assessment (EPA) and obtain my EngTech qualification with the ICE.

The tools, culture and mentoring from AWP and Exeter College enabled my success.

After completing the course, I unexpectedly won Apprentice of the Year 2023 at Exeter College’s Apprentice and Employer Awards within the construction, technical and professional category.

Receiving this award isn’t just a personal achievement, it’s a reflection of the confidence AWP gave me and the support they provided.

Since completing my level 3 apprenticeship, I’ve enrolled on the level 4 HNC (Higher National Certificate) apprenticeship in civil engineering to assist my progression within the industry.

A culture of mentoring and learning

Behind my achievements to date lies a culture of mentoring that goes beyond the ordinary and exceeded anything I expected upon beginning my journey.

Well-established engineers within AWP are alumni of the apprentice and day-release college career paths, and now collaborate as a network of mentors.

Experience, advice, and skills – all things they strive to share with new apprentices on their journeys.

My knowledge, skills and behaviours have all grown as a direct result of the dedication of mentors at AWP and Exeter College.

Read more: how an apprenticeship helped me become a civil engineer after a career gap

Dynamic apprenticeship programmes

Apprentices aren't just learners. They’re key contributors to projects that define the built environment and civil engineering.

Bringing innovative ideas and questioning business-as-usual procedures, they can improve efficiency, encourage others to think outside the box and change processes and policy.

Gaining knowledge while contributing to real-world projects allows apprentices to apply theory to solve problems.

This helps to reinforce learning and build confidence.

Apprenticeships within civil engineering allow employees and employers to develop the skillsets they need to succeed – aligning their goals to address industry skills shortages.

Real world application

Theoretical knowledge is fantastic, and it's abundantly available within a civil engineering apprenticeship. But it’s even better when you can apply it.

Hydraulic calculations, regulations and legislation, material evaluation – all theories that I’ve applied to the construction industry to help me come up with solutions to engineering challenges.

Skills I’ve learned throughout the apprenticeship haven’t exclusively helped me within the industry.

Time management, prioritisation and the ability to ask questions with confidence are some of the great skills I’ve benefitted from in the real world.

Learning the importance of using my own initiative has led to proactivity and increased efficiency within the workplace and home life.

The journey so far has enabled me to purchase my first house – an increased understanding of the housing market, legal documents and financial management placed me in good stead.

Looking ahead with gratitude

As I look back on this incredible journey, I smile.

Doors have opened for me, providing opportunities and challenges that would’ve otherwise been unreachable.

Clear, achievable goals and globally recognised qualifications contribute towards the rewarding nature of civil engineering apprenticeships.

As I set my sights on my next qualifications, I know that choosing a civil engineering apprenticeship was the greatest choice for my personal development and has provided me with valuable skills for life.