The DfI Civil Engineering Apprentice Scheme was introduced in 2017 and since then a total of 30 apprentices have been recruited across DfI Roads & Rivers.
DfI Civil Engineering Apprentice Scheme
The scheme supports apprentices in the completion of both the Pearsons BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Civil Engineering (previously Construction and the Built Environment) and the Pearsons Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians (ICE).
The first of which is an academic qualification completed at a Higher Education College one day a week and the second is a work based learning qualification completed in the workplace. These courses are completed simultaneously over a period of two years and followed by a year of consolidation in the workplace. On successful completion of the scheme, apprentices progress to PTO grade and continue their career in civil engineering within the Department.
In autumn 2020 twelve apprentices were successful in completing the DfI Civil Engineering Apprentice Scheme. When recruited in 2017 these twelve apprentices were the first to join the new scheme.
Throughout the three year scheme the apprentices worked hard and demonstrated dedication to furthering their careers and experience within the Department. Alongside their roles within the Department the apprentices completed two Level 3 Diplomas as detailed above. The Pearsons Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians (ICE) is linked to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Engineering Technician (EngTech) professional qualification requirements. As a result, on successful completion of the scheme, apprentices are in a position to apply for the ICE Technician Review.
All twelve apprentices have now progressed to PTO grade and are continuing their career in civil engineering within the Department. The following photograph shows the successful apprentices at their inaugural meeting in Marlborough House in 2017.
Back Row: Adam Hunter, Ryan McNally, Emmanuel Cassidy, Barry Lyons, Jordan Blair and Ruairi McNulty. Front Row: Shona McKenna, Suzannah Brown, Shaun Stevenson, Deborah McGuickin, Samantha Grills and Jessica Purdy.
ICE Technician Review Success
Three of the twelve apprentices recruited in 2017 have successfully completed their Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Technician Review. In autumn 2020 on successful completion of the scheme, Shona McKenna, Shaun Stevenson and Suzannah Brown successfully achieved Engineering Technician (EngTech) professional status from the ICE.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the interview element of the assessment was conducted online, presenting the apprentices with a new and unique experience of the EngTech process. At their review, the apprentices fully demonstrated that they meet the standard of an Engineering Technician with the necessary engineering knowledge, contribution to design and effective communication skills.
Meet our Apprentices
Suzannah Brown
Suzannah Brown
Why did I choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship for many reasons. I really enjoyed STEM subjects in school, particularly Maths. I had applied to university and I was fortunate to hold an unconditional offer for my first choice but I was unsure on what career path I wanted to pursue. My parents suggested civil engineering and the apprenticeship route as an option to allow me to gain an understanding of the role of a civil engineer in the workplace along with parallel studying. This made sense and provided me with the opportunity to explore working in a wildly diverse industry, with on the job learning from professionals and the benefit of a debt-free education.
What have I enjoyed most about my experience?
I enjoy being part of a professional and encouraging team, working on a diverse range of projects. Practical learning and real-life problem solving suits me, so entering the workplace and being part of a highly skilled team has been invaluable in my development. I like the financial independence and confidence I have gained and I enjoy the structured learning alongside working which keeps me focused on my future.
What are the key benefits of an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships allow you to gain skills and knowledge through on the job learning. Completing an apprenticeship gives you the confidence you need to succeed in a working environment while granting you the opportunity to earn while you learn. Having a salary with no student loans or tuition fees is a massive benefit. Gaining valuable experience and being part of an organisation which promotes apprenticeships, develops young professionals and offers career progression is invaluable.
What are my aspirations for the future?
I want to grow my knowledge of civil engineering and complete my BEng before progressing to a masters. I have attained my EngTech but feel it is important to continue to strive towards further professional qualifications and develop my experience in different areas of the industry. I aspire to be a successful civil engineer who never stops wanting to learn.
Would I encourage others to choose an apprenticeship?
I think what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. I would encourage others to do an apprenticeship if they are hardworking with a thirst for knowledge and enjoy hands-on learning through practical experience. In the end, it’s not about the path you take, it’s about where you finish.
Finton Daly
Finton Daly
Why did I choose an apprenticeship?
I was working in DfI Rivers Business Support team when I saw the circular about the Apprentice Scheme. It caught my attention straight away as I had always had an interest in construction and engineering. There were two apprentices from the previous year working in DfI Rivers so I spoke with both of them and after their recommendations I decided to apply for the scheme myself. I managed to get through the application and interview process and got offered a post within DfI Rivers.
What have I enjoyed most about my experience?
I have really enjoyed meeting and working with new people; whether that has been on my course in college or attending seminars, courses and ICE events. I was also very lucky to have two other apprentices attend the same college as me. This made the whole process more enjoyable as we could work together and discuss any problems.
Since completing the apprenticeship I have decided to continue with my studies through a part-time BEng Civil Engineering degree at the University of Ulster. I am currently studying this course alongside four other DfI apprentices and although the situation is different with distanced learning, it is still great working closely with colleagues and others towards a goal.
What are the key benefits of an apprenticeship?
The DfI Apprentice Scheme is an excellent hands-on way of getting into the civil engineering industry as you are gaining a qualification whilst at the same time learning what it's like to work in the industry. It gives you a taster for how the work is carried out whilst aiding your personal and professional development at the same time. I think it better prepares you for what life will be like in the job when you complete your studies.
There are numerous other benefits too, not least the great support network in place to help apprentices and the fact that you will have a full-time job when you complete the apprenticeship.
What are my aspirations for the future?
I am currently studying a BEng Civil Engineering degree at the University of Ulster through the DfI Staff Development Programme. I have been given day release to attend university one day a week which enables me to keep working alongside my studies. I also hope to apply for the EngTech qualification through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) with the long term goal of becoming a Chartered Engineer through ICE.
Would I encourage others to choose an apprenticeship?
I would encourage everyone and anyone to get involved and choose an apprenticeship. It’s a great way to get started in a career and an excellent way to network and meet others. It lets you gain a qualification whilst developing valuable skills through on the job learning.
Ruth Chapman
Ruth Chapman
Why did I choose an apprenticeship?
I was making a career change and a relocation from England back to Northern Ireland having previously worked in the NHS and then the charity sector for 14 years. I came across the DfI Apprentice Scheme and was delighted that with my transferable skills and my original GCSEs, I qualified for an interview. Having previously studied a 4 year degree with limited hands-on experience, I was drawn by the idea of getting to learn as you work in an apprenticeship setting, as opposed to spending alot of money to gain a degree with no guarantee of a job at the end of it.
What have I enjoyed most about my experience?
The opportunity to study and work at the same time and getting to see the things I have studied in college in real live examples out on site. It is also great to see how civil engineering can really benefit society in everyday situations, such as more sustainable travel infrastructure in walking and cycling. Before I began the apprenticeship, I wasn’t aware of the many different types of engineering specialities that exist, whereas now I have many options to consider for my professional development in the future.
What are the key benefits of an apprenticeship?
That you can ‘earn while you learn’ gaining valuable work experience and networking opportunities, whilst studying towards a recognised qualification with a guaranteed job at the end of the apprenticeship.
What are my aspirations for the future?
I am keen to support young women in civil engineering and STEM job roles as in my experience STEM job roles were not suggested as a career option, and had they been, I might have joined the scheme the first time around. I'm also interested in the innovative and exciting opportunities currently arising with regards to creating ‘greener infrastructure’ that not only lasts but also benefits the people and the environment.
Would I encourage others to choose an apprenticeship?
Absolutely, whether it is your first step into the industry or you are changing careers, it is a great way to gain valuable work experience, qualifications and pay.
