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As we celebrate?, we quite rightly highlight how important apprenticeships are for employers, communities and industries. But at PBA, we wanted to spend time listening to the apprentices themselves, to hear exactly what it is that makes apprenticeships work for them. Four of PBA¡¯s Emerging Talents share their view¡­

Elliot Dommet

Elliot is working towards a BTEC Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment and is mainly involved in civils.

What¡¯s the most exciting thing you have learned so far?

The impact practices, companies and businesses like Â鶹´«Ã½ have on local communities and national infrastructure. More importantly, the fact that I can, in turn, impact local communities through the work I do here.

What¡¯s your favourite aspect of the work you are involved in here at Â鶹´«Ã½?

Working on local projects that will commence construction soon, it¡¯s very rewarding to see that the office-based work we do has such a change on the surrounding environment.

What area of the Practice would you like to learn more about?

I¡¯m excited to learn more about the Planning work we do here at Â鶹´«Ã½.

What made you decide to take up an apprenticeship?

I have always wanted to work in this sector, in a role where I can have a positive impact on the day to day lives of thousands of people (whether they notice it or not!). I saw this apprenticeship as an opportunity I couldn¡¯t turn down.

What are your hopes for the future?

To become a recognised member of Â鶹´«Ã½ and be trusted to deliver on challenging projects. I would like to get more involved in Planning, as high level strategy and development plans intrigue me the most!

Kelton Ewing

Kelton is working towards a HNC in Civil Engineering and an SVQ Level 3 in Site Technical Support. He is most involved with the civils and buildings teams and provides CAD support to geo-environmental. Kelton has also been awarded an ICE QUEST Technician Scholarship.

What¡¯s the most exciting thing you have learned so far?

The most exciting thing I have learned so far is using Civil 3D to build up ground models of sites. Seeing things in 3D helps to put what I see on plan drawings into perspective.?

What¡¯s your favourite aspect of the work you are involved in here at Â鶹´«Ã½?

My favourite aspect of the work I do is definitely the attention to detail and precision required when producing CAD drawings/3D models. Everything must be on the correct layer, dimensioned objects need to be exact, drawings need to fit on the paper size selected etc...?

What area of the Practice would you like to learn more about?

I would like to learn more about engineering design so that I have more of an understanding of how the designs I draw up on a daily basis are actually decided upon. I want to be doing more maths in my daily role!?

What made you decide to take up an apprenticeship?

I decided to take up an apprenticeship because I knew I wanted to work as soon as I could after leaving school, but also because I wanted to continue studies where possible¡ª"earn while you learn". I also knew that sometimes finding a job after graduating at University could be hard, so I decided that it would be better to secure a job first, and then pursue formal qualifications. An apprenticeship scheme allowed me to do this. I believe that work experience is just as valuable as formal qualifications.?

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes for the future are to become EngTech certified, go on to study for a Civil Engineering master¡¯s degree, and then become a chartered engineer.?

Olivia Thomas

Olivia is currently working towards a Level 3 BTEC in Transport Planning at Leeds College of Building and works most closely with transport team in Birmingham.??

What¡¯s the most exciting thing you have learned so far?

Junction Modelling and Design. More specifically, I have enjoyed learning how to use Junctions 9, AutoCAD, TRICs etc.

What¡¯s your favourite aspect of the work you are involved in here at Â鶹´«Ã½?

My favourite aspect is working closely with the Transport team in Birmingham. They are very patient and are always happy to show me what they¡¯re working on. I feel that the people I work with are pivotal to my personal, professional and academic development.

What area of the Practice would you like to learn more about?

As one of my units at college involves learning about the laws and regulations of transport planning, I¡¯d enjoy learning more about this. I¡¯ve currently only been exposed to Section 106 agreements/stopping up orders etc. and general local policies.

What made you decide to take up an apprenticeship?

Initially, I achieved the grades to study Geography and Planning and the University of Birmingham but when learning more about the planning modules there, they seemed too conceptual rather than actually learning how to plan and create developments from start to finish. Also, the general cons of university like money, commuting, and no guarantee of a job at the end of course, encouraged me to find an apprenticeship. I didn¡¯t even realise you could do a planning apprenticeship, so as soon as I saw the vacancy I applied right away. This is the job I¡¯d have wanted on leaving university. I¡¯d had a look at graduate schemes with Â鶹´«Ã½ before applying to University and decided it was the perfect option for me to embark on an apprenticeship with Â鶹´«Ã½.

What are your hopes for the future?

To hopefully get onto the BSc Transport Planning course at Aston University in September 2019 and continue my academic and personal development with Â鶹´«Ã½ for as long as I can. Although I do enjoy writing travel plan and general reports, I hope to delve further into the design, modelling and data handling elements of transport planning and work my way up the ladder in the Transport department.

Elliot Warner

Elliot is working towards a BTEC Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment. At the moment, he is mostly involved in civils and works closely with the Utilities team.

What¡¯s the most exciting thing you have learned so far?

How to work professionally and knowing that the work I do really does benefit people now and in the future.

What¡¯s your favourite aspect of the work you are involved in here at Â鶹´«Ã½?

Drawing up designs for proposed utility infrastructure is probably my favourite aspect of working here, because I know that my work will be used to construct a new development that will be here for years to come.

What area of the Practice would you like to learn more about?

I would love to work with 3D CAD as that would be a useful skill to have.

What made you decide to take up an apprenticeship?

A member of the family recommended it and when I decided to research what Â鶹´«Ã½ did I found it interesting.

What are your hopes for the future?

To have a steady job, work on exciting and interesting projects and be useful to Â鶹´«Ã½ and the community in general.

Originally published by PBA, now Â鶹´«Ã½.