National Apprenticeship Week 2024
In September 2023 we took on four new apprentices across our Structural and Civil technician teams. They are our second cohort in partnership with South Thames college in Wandsworth, who we have been working with since 2020.
Fast forward 5 months, to National Apprenticeship 2024, we sat down with a few of them, Agnes, Faris and Philip to discuss how their time at HTS has been so far.
What led you to the role of an apprentice engineer or technician, structural or civil?
Agnes: To be honest I was just very set on being good at something and when I was looking for apprenticeships, I did some research in Civil engineering, and I was convinced that it was something that I can be great at and that could challenge me to push myself. I also thought that apprenticeships were the path that seemed the best fit for me.
Faris: I've always been interested in designing, solving problems, and just generally making things happen, I chose this apprenticeship because I feel like it allows me to work in an industry that am extremely passionate about.
Philip: Before starting the apprenticeship, I had an interest in architecture and design, so I knew I wanted to do something related to that. As well as that I thought an apprenticeship would be a good idea because it provides both experience and a qualification which are both important for the job market.
What do your day-to-day tasks look like as a new apprentice at HTS?
Faris: Throughout my day I do a mixture of things such as, providing setting out of structural elements so they can be coordinated on sight, creating amending 2D details, overlay 2D survey and architectural information to ensure the models are coordinated. I’ve also been on a site visit to our Marylebone Road proejct in Westminster.
Philip: I use Revit to do tasks for the engineers. Right now, the jobs are simple. Things like creating, adjusting and printing sheets, adding information. There are times where I work on modelling and 3D aspects of buildings, however it is still something I’m just starting.
How have you found the apprenticeship so far, and learning from your mentors?
Agnes: I’ve learnt a lot from my whole team and thanks to Cory who is my mentor as well as Kelly and Vincent who are always supporting me in this journey. They are great people and I’m incredible happy to be a part of the Civils team.
Faris: It has been excellent; I have learned many things from my mentors and others around me. I am eager to continue learning from my mentors and feel more confidence every day about my capacity to apply what I have been learning.
What advice would you give to young people considering an apprenticeship?
Faris: I strongly encourage it; as long as you work in an industry you’re passionate about, it is an incredible opportunity to learn and gain all the necessary knowledge. In general, though, it is a really good path to pursue because you gain a lot, get to work with other professionals and learn from them, and it is always a positive experience to pick up new skills.
Agnes: I would say go for it. It’s a very convenient path as you’re getting work experience whilst learning. You are able to get a feel of what it’s like to have a job and you are developing great qualities and skills. Its sets up your future with doors of opportunities.
Philip: I’d recommend it. Like I mentioned when I was talking about why I chose an apprenticeship, it makes you both experienced and qualified, which are the most desired qualities for someone starting a profession. When you begin, it may be a lot to get used to, but once you get into the swing of things it can be quite rewarding.
What are you looking forward to the most over the course of your apprenticeship?
Agnes: I would say applying all these skills in the future. Being able to say that I’ve challenged myself and achieved my goals and achievement with my ambition and determination to do great things and to be great.
Philip: I think being able to become independent, with good ability, at what I’m doing. Doing more advanced tasks, doing them to a high quality, being able to have a practical skill. There's lots more for me to learn and I’m interested to see the progress I make.
Faris: My goals are to learn as much as possible, master my work, and become an independent, dependable, and confident employee. I still have a lot to learn, and I'm eager to follow my development.
We look forwarding to sharing updates later in the year on Agnes, Faris and Philip’s progress!