Meet the Ambassadors
Ries Watton
Ries is a Trainee Civil Engineer with Milestone Infrastructure. He is currently working towards a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, which he started in 2018.
Ries Watton
Trainee Civil Engineer
Milestone Infrastructure
Trainee Civil Engineer
Milestone Infrastructure
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
Personally, I felt that an apprenticeship is a more focused learning path and a great way to get into an industry fast. If I had done the traditional route and gone to university, I would have put in far less effort and I would not have been as driven as I am now.
How did you find out about your apprenticeship?
I found it using the government’s ‘Find an apprenticeship’ search tool.
What does your job involve?
Currently, I alternate between producing design drawings for highway schemes and managing construction projects on-site. During my apprenticeship, I’ve rotated between 4 different teams and my day-to-day workload and responsibilities continually change.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
Watching something that I’ve designed being constructed.
What have you gained from your apprenticeship?
Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to develop and gain invaluable skills both in a work sense and on a personal level. I’m learning the skills/knowledge to be able to call myself a civil engineer and I’ve become far more confident, I’m more focused and engaged, and I’m more organised and better at managing my time.
What do you plan to do next?
Next step is to finish my degree and become an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
How will your apprenticeship help you achieve this?
My degree course at Coventry University is accredited by the ICE and I have to sit my IEng review within 12 months after completing my degree.
What advice would you give a young person who might be thinking about an apprenticeship?
If there is a career path that interests you and you can truly see yourself doing it, then go for an apprenticeship in that field. It gives you a head start in the direction you want to move in. You’re able to work and study at the same time, all whilst getting paid and you’ll have no debts at the end.
What’s your top tip?
ASK QUESTIONS!
When I started, I certainly wasn’t as confident as I am now, and I wish I’d asked more questions sooner. I’ve gained so much knowledge and understanding from asking colleagues about something or to help me with my university work.
How do you feel about becoming an Apprenticeship Ambassador?
Becoming an ambassador is a great opportunity and it’s something I wish I knew about when I was deciding what to do. Being able to ask someone about their own experiences is incredibly helpful and I feel as though I can now help others that are uncertain about what they want to do.
Meet the Ambassadors
Discover all the profiles of our apprenticeship ambassadors, who help raise awareness of the benefits of Apprenticeships.
