Why did you become an apprentice?

I became an apprentice as the general entry requirements at university for any engineering courses required me to have existing A-Levels in Maths, and Physics etc, which didn’t support my existing A-Level choices. In addition, I believe myself to be a physical learner and as such, learning on the job and receiving on site experience I felt to be the best way to start my career.

I decided on the construction industry as the type of work is very interesting and constantly adopting change and innovating so I saw it as a place that would challenge me every day. I definitely think I made the right decision as my first 2 years as an apprentice were very successful with me achieving an EngTech status and completing my HNC as a civil engineering site technician. I furthermore managed to achieve other training certifications such as: first aider, SSSTS, CSCS Green card, Asbestos awareness, NEC3 Contracts Management, CDM Toolkit training, Internal Finance and Systems Training. I have also had the opportunity to work on multiple high-profile projects including Illuminated River Project Phase One (high level lighting scheme), Halkin Arcade, and other projects within the city of Westminster.

   

What have you enjoyed most working for your company and how has working changed for you during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A highlight in my career at FM Conway would be having the opportunity to work on schemes in aid of good causes, for example working on a lighting project in aid of blood cancer awareness. In addition to the stated, I have had the opportunity to work on the illuminated river project and observe on site supervision of complex schemes. This has allowed me to develop and apply an understanding of problem solving and reactive thinking to on-site scenarios.

 The pandemic has affected my working as I have adapted to my own independent schedule and having to learn off of my mentors and managers with limited face to face contact. This has definitely proved challenging; however, it has allowed me to become more organised in manging my schedule and has improved my communication with managers. I now need to report back to management on a regular basis so they can keep a track of my learning and direct me on the best possible route.

     

I decided on the construction industry as the type of work is very interesting and constantly adopting change and innovating so I saw it as a place that would challenge me every day.

   

As an apprentice, what benefits do you get from being a CIHT member?

As an apprentice, the CIHT has supported my learning throughout my apprenticeship both at work and at university. As such, allowing me to utilise me the tools and resources that CIHT provides to my academic and on-site learning. It also allows me to connect with other apprentices in the industry and therefore create strong network connections. In addition to the connections, the events that CIHT hold both online (due to covid-19) and in person, allow me to strengthen my knowledge of how other professionals operate and therefore bring innovation to my own company.

   

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an apprentice in the industry?

I would advise any new apprentice to the industry to take full advantage of the opportunity being an apprentice gives, meaning to utilise professionals in the industry around you to support and strengthen your learning. I truly feel being an apprentice in construction gives young people starting their career a head start as you are able to apply academic problems to on site activities and ask those around you for their knowledge an expertise. For the majority of problems that I faced during my primary years as an apprentice at university, I was able to reach a resolution by speaking to those within my workplace and gathering multiple expertise.

   

I truly feel being an apprentice in construction gives young people starting their career a head start as you are able to apply academic problems to on site activities and ask those around you for their knowledge and expertise.

    

What skills do you bring to your role?

My primary skills within my team would be planning, organisation, innovation, and customer service. Having worked with multiple members of management within my division I have been in regular contact with a variety of different clients for multiple schemes. As such, developing my knowledge of my own companies customer service policies and standard and allowing me to ensure the customer service I now provide is always to a high standard and ensuring I look for improvement and feedback regularly.

Regular meetings in resource allocation and planning has enabled me to organise my own workload as well as that of the teams’ when needed. Developing my skills in planning and organisation has been a key factor in managing the stresses of my university and job.

Finally, being a newcomer to the industry has its own setbacks, however, brings a major advantage of allowing me to bring a new perspective and sense of innovation to my team. I feel like, at times this has been a great advantage to team discussions.

   

What skills do you want to develop further?

I would like to develop my on-site experience and knowledge of on-site construction, meaning spending more time on site undertaking supervising exercises and learning about the difficulties that arise on site and such how to resolve them. Covid-19 evidently set back my ability to go to site as often, however I am learning how to bring safe systems of work to site and ensure that I now visit site on a more regular basis but in a safe manner to ensure I am not putting myself or others at risk of covid-19. 

   

Vickie Bathe is a Graduate Engineer with FM Conways and a student at Leeds College of Building

Vickie Bathe has been in her role for the past two and a half years.

    

CIHT Statement

The opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the CIHT or its members. Neither the CIHT nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.