Jack Trolan

Apprentice Engineer

Company: Pell Frischmann

Engineering Consultancy Owned by the RSBG UK group. Their aim is to raise money in order to fund environmental supportive projects . “Excellence Through Innovation” permeates our company culture. We believe that quality engineering goes beyond simply achieving codified compliance, and we passionately pursue solutions that deliver better results for end users via unconventional methods.

"The degree apprenticeship degree program at Bolton has defiantly given me more of an insight into the various disciplines within the civil engineering industry and their practices. Although working within the industry whilst studying is beneficial, it is often very focused on one specific area. Not giving an overview of all the different roles within the industry. Whilst completing my degree I have developed knowledge on areas which aren’t considered to be day to day activities for my job role.

The knowledge I have gained regularly helps me with my job role and gives me a better understanding of how things are obtained/ completed. An example of this would be when I first joined my company, I did not know how a topographical survey was carried out. After studying a module on surveying, I am now aware of various different survey techniques and how they are accurately carries out."

Experience

- Studying whilst working allows for a greater development in industry whilst studying aside. Meaning once I graduate, I will have over 5 years experience within the industry. I learn better hands on so by studying and working within the same industry, it furthers my developments and therefore I can see the practicality of modules whilst learning them. This was seen in modules such as project management, health and safety. However it also allows me to see where the course is “out of date” and such practices taught are no longer applicable due to modern technology. Although when being taught, I do appreciate that knowing the background and bases of how I do my work is beneficial.

- From working whilst studying I have gained essential engineering knowledge, arguably giving myself and advantage over traditional full time students. I have benefited greatly from peers at work who have completed the same course. This meant I had support from fully qualified industry engineers who are willingly offer their support.

- I would heavily urge others to complete a degree apprenticeship. The route gives the perfect balance between study and work. Although working whilst studying can be challenging due to the intense content which is required to be fit into one day. Along side working, there isn’t much personal time left. Admittedly, some weeks it is simply just not possible to put as much time into the course content as suggested by the university. During the university academic year, there is often a struggle to find enough time to study.

- Although I recommend a degree apprenticeship, the struggle and intense competition means it is extremely hard to find such job. I myself had over 10 interviews for degree apprenticeship vacancies, however the competition is immense I found this especially in larger companies with a bigger reputation. Small/ Medium sized engineering consultancies such as Pell Frischmann are often overlooked. For those looking to get involved in a degree apprenticeship without exceptional grades, these sort of companies may be a better way to progress the apprenticeship route.