Trainee Civil Engineer Review

I design and then produce drawings using MicroStation of the foundations of lineside ancillary civils assets. This includes SMIOs, UTXs, URXs, and FSPs. In addition to this I annotate any hazards that the workers or operators need to be aware of as well as advisory notices. This also involves the production of a Designers Hazard and Engineering Management Register. Finally I assist in the creation of the necessary documentation, such as the F003, that is required for the assets to be approved for construction.

I have learnt how to use the CAD software "MicroStation" to model and draw assets efficiently. I have developed my problem solving abilities as each asset I design has different challenges that need to be mitigated. I have also learnt how to identify and mitigate risks such as danger to the operators from live overhead line equipment. Due to each drawing needing to be easily readable and understandable I have also improved my presentation skills. I have gained experience delivering a presentation. Finally I have learnt many soft skills such as improving communication and time management.

I was responsible for the designs I produced, sometimes handling multiple designs at once. This involved talking to other members of the team to receive feedback as well as getting feedback from other disciplines. As expected, I wasn't responsible for anyone else, however the level of responsibility of keeping on track with the work I was doing was the right level for me at this stage in my career. In summary, a high level of responsibility for my own work.

There were always multiple people willing to give support and guidance if I asked for it. It was particularly useful when I was getting started with software that was new to me. I was actually encouraged to ask more questions! I could talk to my line manager for general queries relating to working at the company such as about requesting leave or booking desks. I talk to my project team for queries relating to technical issues I face when designing assets. I can also talk to the wider team as many of them have experience with MicroStation.

I really liked the company culture. It was very inclusive, and the companies PRIDE values are accurate. This was noticeable both day to day and for the events they held throughout the year. Just yesterday there was an Eid meal and quiz. Day to day the team members that were in the office would go for lunch, I chose to come into the office every day except Friday since I lived in the city, but most people came in around 3 days a week. But I felt like I got to know all of them due to the friendly atmosphere and we all got on well. The working atmosphere was the perfect balance between being relaxed and stressful. Most of the time it was relaxed and you can just crack on with the work you're doing (I often listened to music while I worked since I didn't have many meetings) but near deadlines (just as at Uni), there was a bit more pressure to ensure things got over the line. However everyone was respectful and professional at all times. In terms of outside of work there is a "sports and social" team that organises an event each month which is aimed at a wide range of people (from wine tasting to going to a VR gaming place). In addition to this there's the Christmas party and the Sports Day which is coming up. As well as other events here and there. There's also weekly football. All in all there's plenty of extra stuff going on if you want to but there's no obligation.

I loved/ am loving it. I get on well with everyone, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the work that I've been doing. I like that I can just get on with my work independently, knowing that if I need any help it's just a Teams message away. In addition to the obvious skills that I've learned such as learning new software, I feel like I've gained some important life skills such as managing my time effectively and compiling information into easy to read emails. I have enjoyed going to pretty much every work social event and it has allowed me to get to know people from all over the company.

Yes

Mostly just generic application preparedness. Make sure you have a good cover letter, as I think that's what got me through the door. It was very tailored to the placement role I was applying for. Other than that try not be too worried in the interview as everyone I have met here is very friendly, just be yourself :-). Also I applied for this placement in autumn and found out I'd got it around Easter, with the interviews in January and April. So don't give up hope if you haven't been given a placement until later in the year.