Jake Parsell, an apprentice at Perega, tells us why he chose a civil engineering apprenticeship, what he enjoys about it and gives advice on choosing a programme
I’ve always been familiar with what engineers do, though I haven’t always known I wanted to be one. Both of my parents work at Perega, a civil and structural engineering consultancy, and I’ve been in and out of the office with them since I was a child.
After leaving school, I completed a BTEC at college whilst working one day a week at Perega. I especially enjoyed the design process, as well as beginning to develop the skills of working in a team to help deliver calculation packages to clients. It felt like an important job, proving that the designs drawn by the architect work properly.
As I finished my programme, I was certain I didn’t want to study full time at university. So, when the director of Perega’s glass and façade engineering division asked if I wanted to join as an apprentice, I knew it was the right choice as it would allow me to work while gaining a degree at the same time.
Choosing a programme
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a degree apprenticeship programme. I was drawn to the University of East London (UEL) because it’s been offering the part time degree for over 20 years and is incredibly well organised as a result.
The scheme I’m on is day release, so I’m in the classroom one day a week and working the rest. Some universities offer block release, which comprises a week in class for every three to four months of work. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and for some people, this will be a deciding factor in which programme they want to pursue.
Another consideration is course length. Mine is five years, which is pretty common, leading to a Civil Engineering BEng and being Incorporated (IEng) with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). There are four-year courses available, though these are more likely to be for a BSc in Engineering. While this can impact your eligibility for ICE chartership later on, there are many routes in, so the type of degree doesn’t actually matter that much.
Engineering success
For anyone weighing up their post-secondary options, I would definitely encourage them to consider an apprenticeship. You’re earning and getting work experience alongside your degree. The experience really is the most valuable part, because it makes you more employable at the end of it, and seeing your own progression on the job is really motivating.
When I think back to when I first started, I can see how I’ve developed my knowledge. The questions I have now are a lot more advanced and I’m able to have more in-depth conversations with my colleagues, rather than just listening in.
Once I had enough experience, I started doing some site visits on my own. It felt really rewarding to ‘know my stuff’ such that people would listen to me. More than this, going on my own means the company trusts me to work with qualified professionals and not mess up. It shows the level of competence you can reach doing an apprenticeship, through the experience of dealing with people, and being in a work environment.
Being a younger member of the team, I really appreciate being around experienced people and learning from them. They’re a fantastic resource, and a unique part of doing an apprenticeship, so make sure you ask a lot of questions.
Your accountability to your employer is a great motivator. In an apprenticeship, you want to do the best possible job for your employer and with your coursework. At the end of the day, you don’t want to have to explain to your boss why you’re failing a degree they’re putting you through.
Even if you have doubts about the skills required for an apprenticeship, go for it anyway. There’s so much help available. I wasn’t confident in my maths when I started, but I went through exam questions with my mentor at work, and we had revision sessions to help alongside my university studies.
While I didn’t get what some might call the ‘full uni experience’ of moving away from home and attending full time, I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished so far and the hard work I’ve put in.
