Apprenticeships
Josh Wheatley - Trainee Engineer, Rail at Octavius
Being an apprentice is an amazing way to gain hands-on experience in the industry while earning a qualification. When I first started, I had little knowledge of construction, let alone railways! However, through my apprenticeship, I've developed key skills such as tracking project progress, creating essential documents, and finding solutions to challenges on-site. If you're considering a similar role, here’s a look at what a typical week as an apprentice at Octavius is like.
My week kicks off with a day release to the University of Portsmouth, where I’m studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. This means that every Monday, I step away from my work duties to attend lectures and seminars. Unlike traditional students, I won’t graduate with student debt-Octavius fully funds my tuition!
While a standard civil engineering degree takes three years, my degree apprenticeship spans five years, as I attend university one day per week while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. This setup means that by the time I graduate, I’ll have not only a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering but also five years of industry experience that full-time students typically don’t have.
The university learning covers a broad range of useful topics, from economics to understanding structures, many of which I apply directly to my work. If the coursework ever becomes overwhelming, the Octavius team is incredibly supportive, offering additional time to focus on my studies when needed.
From Tuesday to Friday, I’m on-site, working alongside experienced professionals and getting hands-on experience with real engineering projects. My daily tasks vary but can include:
- Producing daily diaries to track project progress
- Completing steel surveys to ensure quality and compliance
- Attending design meetings to understand project requirements
- Supervising on-site surveys, such as bat surveys or flood modelling
If you're looking at this and thinking, "I wouldn’t know where to start with any of that," don’t worry I felt the same at first! But one of the best things about an apprenticeship at Octavius is the supportive environment. Everyone is willing to help, and I always feel comfortable asking questions when I need guidance.
For me, being an apprentice is all about trying new things, learning from mistakes, and building confidence. The best way to learn is by actually doing, and I get to apply my university knowledge to real-world situations every day.
During my time as an apprentice, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some incredible engineering projects, including:
- Bridge replacements—removing old structures and installing new ones
- Railway installations—working on track removal and replacement
- Pier strengthening—reinforcing key structural elements
- Supervising environmental surveys, like bat surveys and flood modelling
- Design meetings—collaborating with engineers to plan and execute projects
