The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2020 is “Look Beyond”, encouraging everyone to look beyond the outdated stereotypes surrounding apprenticeships and to celebrate the diversity of opportunity and value that they bring to the country today.
As an employer, Waldeck places great value on apprentices as we understand the important of growing our own talent and feeding back into our local communities.
Tackling outdated stereotypes is one of the most common misconceptions about apprenticeships amongst parents and young people, some believing that apprentices are ‘just employed to make the tea’.
We take a look behind the scenes of this myth, by speaking to some of our inspiring apprentices both past and present, about the work they are doing, and the positive impact that they’re making.
Joe Baker, Junior Technician
Currently studying: Level 3 Civil Engineering and the Built Environment
“As a Junior Technician within Waldeck’s civil engineering team, I am currently working on the drainage, levels and access design for major commercial units. During my time working at Waldeck I have gathered experience working in both housing and rail projects.
“My role within the civils team is to provide support to the engineers in producing detailed design packages containing information such as; external levels, road geometry, drainage and relevant details. It is my responsibility to use the engineers support, design and calculations to produce the drawings necessary to complete a design package. I can also provide support in some of the calculations and design involved in the production of these packages, under the supervision of an engineer.”
Tom Peden, Assistant Engineer
Previously studied: Level 3 Civil Engineering and the Built Environment
Currently studying: BSc Civil Engineering
“I work as an Assistant Engineer within Waldeck’s civil engineering team, I am currently working on the drainage and external access design for several housing developments and industrial / commercial units. Following my apprenticeship, I am now also doing a University degree alongside my full-time role.
“In my role I’m responsible for producing detailed design packages for drainage systems and proposed external levels / geometry; ensuring compliance with the adopting bodies design requirements and the local councils design standards; and advising the client of best value solutions with regards to drainage system components/pipe routes and earthworks cut and fill strategies, to help save them time and money.”
George Kyme, Assistant Engineer
Previously studied: Level 3 Civil Engineering and the Built Environment
“Working as part of Waldeck’s civil engineering team, both during and after my apprenticeship I have been involved in a range of multi-disciplinary projects, specifically across the rail and infrastructure sectors.
“Like Tom, in my role I’m often responsible for producing detailed design packages for drainage systems and proposed external levels / geometry; ensuring compliance with Network Rail standards, the adopting bodies design requirements and the local councils design standards; as well as advising the clients of the best, most sustainable solutions through value engineering.”
Sophie Harwood, UAV & Digital Capture Specialist / Engineering BIM Technician
Previously studied: Level 3 Civil Engineering and the Built Environment
“My dual role as an UAV & Digital Capture Specialist and an Engineering BIM Technician means my role is really varied. One day I can be in the office doing drawings and designing 3D models, then the next day I could be on a nuclear site, capturing hundreds of hectares of land using a drone.
“In my role, I’ve worked on a broad range of projects across sectors such as rail, nuclear and logistics. The positive impact I can create on projects is through using my skills and experience to improve the overall efficiency of a project, supporting the wider design team whilst ensuring quality delivery and the requirements of our clients are met.”
Katie Nesbitt, Architectural BIM Technician
Previously studied: Level 3 Civil Engineering and the Built Environment
Currently studying: BSc Architectural Technology
“Alongside my University degree, which I am now enrolled on following my apprenticeship, I work full-time at Waldeck as part of their Architectural team. I’ve recently been working on a range of multi-million-pound projects across sectors such as rail, manufacturing and the built environment.
“My role includes tasks such as designing and developing building plans, elevations, sections and details. I am also responsible for creating 2D outputs and 3D models; assisting with team design reviews in order to evaluate design concepts and make recommendations to resolve problems; as well as producing visualisations for clients in order for them to fully understand their concept designs before moving on to the next stage of a project.”
Today’s apprentices are making impact, not tea.