Apprentice project planner with NG Bailey, L3 Construction Support Technician
What was your favourite project to work on during your apprenticeship?
I started my apprenticeship two years ago and, very early on, got involved with HS2, so it would definitely be that. It was a massive opportunity to be involved with innovation and do something new. For example, I developed an app to enable us to track our progress across those five sites that we’ll be working on simultaneously; about 1,400 things to deliver so tracking them was key. That was quite early on in my apprenticeship. I’ve built on those skills and still use them today. The HS2 project showed me what was possible.
How do you feel like the apprenticeship has prepared you for your career?
The rigorous curriculum, learning skills, building knowledge, the End Point Assessment. But I’ve also developed great soft skills while working in a hands-on environment, which I wouldn’t have if I’d just gone to university. I wouldn’t be familiar with working as part of a team towards that goal. I think that’s definitely prepared me, just being able to work under pressure in an environment with a team. I’ve built some fantastic relationships with people.
What was your biggest challenge that you faced during your apprenticeship?
As I was a school leaver, my biggest challenge was handling the responsibility. A year into my apprenticeship, I was leading a project when I hadn’t got the full skill set. There’s a lot of responsibility, dealing with the client, with the project team and the consultant. But the support network helped with that pressure. Early responsibility has enabled me to grow, not only within my role, but as a person as well.
What is next in your career?
I’ve got two years left of my NG Bailey apprenticeship, so I will be continuing my role; I really enjoy it here. I’ve got some great relationships, great friends and there’s some fantastic projects in the pipeline that really excite me.
