Course Title Level 6 Building Services Engineering Site Management Degree
University Leeds Beckitt University
Course Duration 5 Years
Course Delivery Day Release
Why did you choose to become an apprentice?
I first heard about apprenticeships when I was on work experience, I thought that it was the perfect opportunity to get a degree without building up lots of debt. By doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university I will gain 5 years of experience at the same time, something you won’t get by undertaking a traditional degree.
How do you combine your work and studies?
I attend university one day a week and work for DBS on the other four days. Working in construction, and on building services projects, there is always something to do so it can be difficult to find time to concentrate on my studies during the week. You get out what you put in so you have to be prepared to use your evenings and weekends to complete university work as well. The knowledge from my studies can be applied to my day-to-day work but what’s really valuable is the knowledge from hands on experience and being able to ask my mentor questions.
What does a typical day consist of?
A typical day can vary depending on what stage a project is at. I could spend a few hours doing procurement of labour and materials, be on site doing quality checks and snagging sheets, be in meetings with the Client talking about progress or co-ordination, dealing with emails, creating health and safety method statements and risk assessments, taking off drawings or even assisting with the creation of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals. There are so many different tasks both site and office based that my role includes - I like the variety where no two days are the same.
What opportunities / progression have you made / taken advantage of already in your career?
I’ve had lots of opportunities to progress my role so far. I’ve been offered a variety of courses that keep me safe on site and add to my knowledge of Health & Safety. I have been given the chance to run my own project for the first time which has been a great opportunity allowing me to learn a lot about how to deliver a project from start to finish. I have also taken part in interviewing the newest trade apprentices which has been a great experience and allowed me to develop a new skill.
How do you hope your career will progress in the future?
I hope to achieve a First-Class Honours BEng Degree in Building Services Engineering and I’d like to be able to deliver bigger and higher profile projects. Looking further into the future, I would like to progress to the role of a Contracts Manager for DBS.
What do you like most about working at Derry Building Services?
What I like most about DBS is the support that I receive. I have been given opportunities which test me to improve and learn as much as I can, but I also receive the right level of support from friendly and experienced colleagues to make sure that I’m not out of my depth. I also like how clear the communication is which means that I always have a good understanding of the tasks that I need to complete. The DBS Training Portfolio is a great tool for me to be able to assess what knowledge I have, and where I could benefit from further experience, to ensure that I become a well-rounded engineer.
What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
The advice that I would give to anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship is that it is well worth the effort. There are sacrifices that you will have to make - such as no mid-week nights out / travelling to sites up and down the country - it’s a proper job after all, but by putting in the time and concentration for your studies, alongside the working aspect, it does give you an advantage and is a great route into the industry.
