Trainee Civil Engineer Review

Over the course of my time with the company I have acquired a wide range of valuable skills including learning how to set out for a structure, using a GPS to take AS-BUILT surveys, using equipment such as total stations and auto levels and developing my CAD skills. As well as this I have also developed more administrative skills including ensuring our drawings are up to date and coincide with the drawing register, creating Health and Safety files, handling red-line drawings, updating our waste and water trackers and ensuring the daily updates is filled out each day. Carrying out each of these tasks over the past three months has ensured I’m leaving as a more confident, experienced and knowledgeable engineer.

- Learned how to use a dumpy level (auto level) across the entire site to check the monitoring points. This was performed in levelling loops to ensure accuracy as the equipment becomes more inaccurate after 50m.   - Used total station to gather/check monitoring points of pipe - Set up and took own survey with GPS capturing all manholes along embankment  - Took GPS surveys of each clay layer laid and points where Sand Replacement Density (SRD) tests were carried out by the testers. - Learned to use total station to spray out capping beam - Learned how to set the required height for steel and concrete using the laser level. - Took survey of clay stockpile and the current clay level to compute the volume we have compared to the volume we require to check we have enough to complete the project. - Learned how to add layers in CAD software - Made concrete cubes, took out of moulds and submerged in warm water bath to speed up curing process. - Completed safety and environmental checklists (SF509 and EC01)

- At several times I was trusted to take an AS-BUILT survey unassisted - Trusted to keep the daily updates and activity board up to date - Managed waste and water data logs - Ensured client received CNS for before each activity it was appropriate to do for - Trusted to update ProjectWise with up to date drawings as well as red-line drawings - Completed own survey of entire site monitoring points

The engineer I was shadowing gave me much support and guidance throughout my whole placement. He ensured I was always involved in discussions and listened to my suggestions too. Each new task was explained clearly and most times I picked up the skill quickly because of the clear communication. Every member of the team both on and off site always greeted me politely and I always felt comfortable and happy on site. Both of these made my placement a very enjoyable experience.

Overall the company culture and general atmosphere was relaxed, inclusive and enjoyable. This allowed work to run smoothly and for any obstacles to be overcome rapidly.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement from start to finish, I feel I am leaving as a more skilled engineer which will inevitably provide a smoother transition into a job in the future after I complete my degree.

Yes

Ensure you're understanding and knowledge of the company is clear and have enthusiasm for the job you're applying for. The company is fantastic to work for so emphasise your interest and be yourself!