My future in civil engineering: why an apprenticeship was the right choice

Here's how my apprenticeship is helping me grow in confidence and real-world skills.

Hi, my name is Caoimhe (pronounced Kee‑vah ), and I'm a Civil Engineering Apprentice at AtkinsRéalis Ireland. Alongside my college studies, I'm gaining hands‑on experience in infrastructure design and delivery – learning from experienced engineers and asking questions that deepen my understanding every day. My apprenticeship is about bringing classroom knowledge to life through real projects and contributing to meaningful work that makes a difference.

How do apprentices balance full‑time work and college?

I chose the apprenticeship route because it offers the ideal balance between academic learning and hands‑on experience. I've always learned best by applying knowledge in real‑world settings, and studying alongside apprentices of all ages and backgrounds has made the experience even more valuable. Balancing full‑time work with university studies isn't always easy, but at AtkinsRéalis, I feel supported to manage my time well. It has been an incredibly rewarding way to gain experience and a qualification.

Why I chose AtkinsRéalis for my apprenticeship?

I joined AtkinsRéalis because I was impressed by its reputation of being an inclusive environment. I knew that if I wanted to shape the future of infrastructure, AtkinsRéalis would give me high‑quality exposure to projects – even while I was still learning.

What kind of projects do civil engineering apprentices work on?

What I enjoy most about working here is how well the structured apprenticeship program fits into full‑time project work. There's a strong culture of collaboration and real investment in early careers – I've been trusted with meaningful responsibilities and encouraged to contribute ideas from the start. One of my key tasks is carrying out Flood Risk Assessments, which are reviewed by a senior civil engineer. Taking ownership of technical work like this has boosted my confidence and made me feel like a valued team member.

How does mentorship help apprentices develop in engineering?

When I first joined, it was a steep learning curve – everything was new. However, I've been fortunate to work alongside supportive colleagues who consistently offer guidance. I've received excellent mentoring from the team, which has really boosted my confidence and helped me grow in the role. That support has positively shaped the way I approach both college and work.

Earlier this year, I had the chance to work on a standout new project that I thoroughly enjoyed. My challenge was to design under‑slab drainage for an apartment block using Revit – a software I hadn't used before. It was a great opportunity to apply technical skills from college and learn industry‑specific methods shared by colleagues. I embraced the challenge, completed the design, and I'm now the only one in the team with these capabilities. Working on similar projects since has helped me spot mistakes early and anticipate potential issues. It's also made me more confident in asking questions and engaging with the team.

I'm looking forward to learning more about the role and expanding my skills and knowledge at AtkinsRéalis. The moments when I step outside my comfort zone are the most rewarding, as they always lead to new learning and personal growth.

Are you ready to discover just how capable you really are?

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