2 December 2024
This Thursday we are excited to be attending the 2024 Young Professionals Awards in Birmingham. The MEC team will be cheering on our two apprentices, Jack Wills and Michael Webb, who have been shortlisted in the 'Young Apprentice of the Year' category.
Ahead of the event we spoke to Jack to find out more about his apprenticeship journey and his role at MEC.
Can you describe a typical day in your role as a Civil Engineering Apprentice?
As a Civil Engineering Apprentice, my typical day is mainly in the office and is a blend between design tasks and learning from more experienced engineers. We normally start our day with a quick meeting to go over projects, timelines and workload. Once this is done, I’ll often use software like AutoCAD, PDS and Flow to produce or modify designs. This might involve plans for roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure elements.
What inspired you to pursue a career in civil engineering?
In school I always enjoyed problem solving and maths which are used daily within the civil engineering world. I also liked the idea of designing buildings and systems that people will use for many years to come.
What excites you the most about being an engineer, especially within the MEC team?
The continuous learning aspect of engineering excites me, as each project presents unique challenges. Working within the MEC team is great because everyone has different skills and perspectives that help expand my knowledge as a civil engineer.
What are some key skills or qualities that you believe are essential for anyone considering a career as a Civil Engineering Apprentice?
A key skill that I believe is essential is attention to detail as civil engineering is very precise and contains a lot of measurements that have to be correct. Another skill is teamwork as on many of our projects we have multiple team members working on it at once. We have to make sure that we are all aware of what each other is working on, without this it could lead to discrepancies in our drawings.
What’s a project or accomplishment at MEC that you’re especially proud of?
One project I am particularly proud of is a site in Long Marston, Warwickshire as I am the lead designer working with the client on this project which is great experience. I am also very proud to be nominated for the 'Young Apprentice of the Year’ award as it feels like recognition for all the hard work put in over the last few years.
What advice would you give to students or young engineers who are considering a career in your field?
My advice would be to start gaining hands-on experience as early as possible because the earlier you familiarise yourself with the industry the easier it is to understand. I would also say if you are unsure about something then don’t be scared to ask questions, as its better to ask the question than make a mistake.
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