Trainee Civil Engineer Review

I think I would have enjoyed the placement more if it had been more challenging. I spent most of my time doing paperwork and filing which I understand is an important part of the roll, I'd just prefer a more 50/50 balance.

I was doing paperwork that needed to be done so in that sense I felt valued because I was doing something that needed doing. However, it was a task that anyone could have done, so I didn't feel like my engineering skills we're being used and therefore I didn't feel valued for the skills I'd actually like to be using

I was assigned a grad engineer to supervise me and I felt that he was very supportive. Whenever I had a question about anything he was happy to pause what he was doing to answer and explain.

I felt like I could have been stretched more. By the end of each day I was having to go around the office asking for working and seeing who needed help. I'd have preferred my own small project that I could have just got on with each day, rather than a bit here and there of other people's work.

Everything I did on site was supervised and checked by a qualified engineer. I didn't mind this though as I understand that this was my first placement so I had a lot to learn.

The surveying that I did will definitely come in useful for my degree because we have a surveying module each year. The paperwork that I did probably wont be useful to me until I'm in a site engineer role.

Everyone was very friendly and people always said good morning and stopped to ask each other how their day was going. There was however an underlying stress level which is why I haven't given 10 stars. I think this is a good thing though, if there was no pressure then the work might not be done as efficiently as it could be.

The placement was not very well organised. This was due to the fact that this year was the first BYLOR placement and they were still working things out.

I received weekly webinar learning sessions from Laing O'Rourke as well as learning sessions organised by BYLOR

There seemed to be lots of scope for development within the organisation as well as training oportunities

There was only 2 events organised for the placement students and colleagues whilst I was there. There was also no option for a casual get together at a pub or bar due to the fact that the site was out in the middle of nowhere, with employees coming from all directions each day.

I lived at home and socialising wasn't really an option, as explained above, so I have but 5 stars as a neutral answer.

The nightlife was non-existant

There was a mens football team of employees but as I'm female this didn't cater to me.