Hi Davey, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Hi, my name is Davey Wallace, after I finished my A-Levels in English Literature, Design and Technology and Physics I applied to many apprenticeships and after a few interviews I was enrolled on BAM Nuttall’s Apprenticeship scheme.
What is your academic background?
In November 2021 I began my studies at Leeds College of Building, starting a Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship. This consisted of a Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualification partnered with a portfolio of evidence I gathered during work which all fed into an application to achieve a professional qualification with the Institute of Civil Engineers. This gives me the letters EngTech MICE behind my name.
Since I finished my Level 4 apprenticeship, I have now moved onto a Level 6 (Degree) Apprenticeship Standard in Civil Engineering Site Management. Leeds College of Building is delivering the degree, and I have 3 years left of my studies and collection of evidence until I sit my End Point Assessment and hopefully receive IEng MICE.
How did you find your apprenticeship?
I applied for my apprenticeship online after finding it through the government ‘find an apprenticeship’ website. I applied online and went through an individual interview, followed by a group assessment centre. I then received the good news that I got onto the apprenticeship!
What made you choose to study at Leeds College of Building?
I came to study at Leeds College of Building due to my company BAM Nuttall working with them in a close partnership.
What did you get up to on your course?
My HNC included some maths modules such as structural design and mathematics in construction, but also involved surveying, setting out and materials technology. These modules were more practical which offered a nice range.
How were you assessed?
When I did my HNC, it was all coursework-based and my apprenticeship was assessed through professional discussions as I uploaded the evidence I gathered at work. Then there was a final discussion called the End Point Assessment (EPA), which determined whether I passed or failed the apprenticeship.
What was your favourite thing about college?
I think my favourite thing about college is the industry experience the lecturers have, in addition to this the access we have to many resources to help us with our studies. Although, in my course, I did not use the workshops, I did use surveying equipment and also did sessions in the lab which were fun.
Is there anything you wish you had known before starting your college course that you know now?
For me, I wish I had more of an understanding and experience of the construction industry before I joined; to give myself a head start in my studies.
Can you tell me about any awards or competitions you have participated in during your time at college?
I have won the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Quest Technician Scholarship, after completing my EPA with the ICE they nominated me for the Jean Venables Medal, and I won the competition and the Jean Venables Medal.
More recently I was shortlisted for the Technical Apprentice of the Year at the Yorkshire and Humber G4C awards. I feel incredibly grateful to have had the chance to enter and win some of these prestigious awards, it is something the college helps us with and encourages us to do.
As somebody who attended college, done apprenticeships, and won awards, do you have any tips for students who are looking at their post-sixteen journey?
- Make sure you research the course to make sure it is something that is right for you.
- Attend an Open Day. It is a fantastic way to explore the facilities that are on offer.
- Research what careers are possible and available with the qualifications you will be doing.
As a Civil Engineer are there any projects that stand out to you?
Although I was not born to see it, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge alongside all the bridges across the Tyne sparked an initial interest in civil engineering. But if I could choose a project to have worked on, it would be the Humber Bridge.
Speaking of projects, can you tell me more about the most challenging project you have been involved in?
The most challenging thing I have constructed was a Road Diversion. This involved 300m of drainage, twenty manholes, vehicle restraint systems (VRS) Barriers and most importantly, a tarmac road.
What do you get up to day to day at work?
I get to work at 7 am and participate in the daily briefing.
Throughout the day I,
- Complete daily surveys and liaise with the site team about the ongoing bulk earthworks.
- Check the quality of construction and monitor efficiencies to increase production and reduce the carbon footprint of our work.
- I help with the GPS systems on all excavators, dozers and rollers and manage the machines onsite.
- When I get back to the office, I work with the engineering team to plan the upcoming work.
- I use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to process designs and check the specifications for upcoming works such as landscaping and seeding.
- I then create slides of progress, efficiency, or technical specifications to present to the team in our weekly meeting.
By 5.30 pm I finish work, head to the gym or for a walk. Then I get home and work on my university assignments or relax.
Would you recommend your course and career path?
Yes. I think the apprenticeship route for Civil Engineering is extremely beneficial, not only from a financial perspective but also through gaining practical experience, which is supplemented with the academic learning in college. This route has given me a well-rounded perspective of the industry and a head start when going into the world of work.
What do you love the most about being a Civil Engineer?
I love how every day is varied and poses new challenges. There is a vast array of things you can be involved in, so it is easy to avoid boredom or stagnation. It is a great way to provide a positive impact and sustainable infrastructure to local communities.
Are there any myths about your sector of work that you would like to bust?
That Civil engineering is all about maths - this is only a small part of the role. Some of the most integral skills in civil engineering are communication, analytical thought, and organisation.
Can you complete this phrase: I’m a Civil Engineer, but I’m also a keen walker, enjoy travelling and a silversmith!
Finally, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would like to continue working on major infrastructure projects. My biggest ambition is to work on infrastructure projects globally.
