Ryhan Ruf

From Classroom to Construction: My Journey through a Degree Apprenticeship in Site Engineering Management

I am Ryhan Ruf, and I am currently enrolled in a Degree Apprenticeship in Site Engineering Management. Before this, I completed a Level 3 and 4 course in Construction and the Built Environment at Leeds College of Building.

Each day is unique and the tasks for my job role are varied, which adds an element of enjoyment for me. My role as an Engineer on site means I engage in activities such as:

Surveying equipment
Quality control checks, ensuring compliance with standards and specifications.
Maintaining a detailed site diary, documenting all on-site activities
Creating AutoCAD models
Collaborating with the design team

I found my course on the college website, after researching the different programmes that colleges offered. The process was straightforward, and I found everything I needed online. I wanted to study at Leeds College of Building in particular because of its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, and strong connections within the construction industry. I was impressed by the facilities, supportive lecturers, and the variety of pathways available to help secure employment in the industry. The college’s approach aligned perfectly with my career goals!

I visited an Open Day, which gave me the perfect opportunity to see the facilities, meet the lecturers and have a detailed look at the course handbook. I would recommend attending an Open Day and asking any questions you may have. For example, I asked:

How is the course structured between classroom learning and practical work?
What are the opportunities for real-world projects or industry collaborations during the course?
Is there any support in preparing students for employment or further education after the course?

Assessments were done through a combination of practical projects, written assignments, and exams. I also received periodic reviews from my tutors to ensure I was on track with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. To prepare for assessments, I spent a good amount of time in the workshops and labs at college. It was an extremely valuable part of the course, where I could put theory into practice and work with industry-standard tools.

I love being a Civil Engineer because of the combination of creativity and technical skills in construction. I am passionate about sustainable building and learning how we can make construction more eco-friendly. Being able to see a project go from concept to reality is incredibly rewarding. I would recommend this course because it provides a solid foundation in both the practical and theoretical aspects of construction. It opens up a lot of career paths in a growing industry, from Site Management to design. Plus, there is always demand for skilled workers. A common myth about my job is that we only work in outdoor settings. A significant portion of the work is conducted in an office environment, where we engage in planning, design, analysis and project management.

In the future, I hope to work in the area of construction technology, using innovations like 3D printing, drones, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve efficiency and sustainability in the industry. I am excited about how technology can transform construction processes, making them faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

For anyone wanting to come to college or do an apprenticeship, my three top tips would be:

Visit the college and attend an Open Day. It is a great way to get a feel for the campus, and courses and meet the tutors.
Research the course content and ensure it aligns with your career goals.
Ask lots of questions! Whether it is about the course, assessments, or job prospects.