Starting over: how I saved my civil engineering apprenticeship

Setbacks don't define you – how you respond does. See how I turned my first one into a win.

When you face setbacks, view them as a way to prove your tenacity and resilience rather than a reason to give up. Show that you can advocate for yourself and don't walk away when things go wrong. These skills are incredibly valuable to companies – and showing them early can set you apart.

What inspired me to choose a civil engineering apprenticeship?

Hi, I'm Theo, a second‑year civil engineering apprentice at AtkinsRéalis. I've always loved making things, thinking creatively, and solving problems. However, I wasn't sure which path to take until someone visited our school to discuss apprenticeships. Civil Engineering immediately stood out – it combined everything I was good at with the chance to make a real‑world impact.

In my final year of school, I felt a lot of pressure to follow the university route. I did well academically, and people were surprised when I chose an apprenticeship. Some even said I was wasting my potential. But I've always believed that experience is more valuable than any certificate – and I knew I'd learn more in a hands‑on role. So I made my plans, secured an employer, and enjoyed my final summer before starting.

What happens when your apprenticeship doesn't go to plan?

In hindsight, I should've been more proactive with my arrangements. The day before I was due to begin, my employer pulled out. It felt like the rug had been pulled from under me. I was convinced I'd wasted a year. But I realized I had two choices: give up or push forward. I chose to act.

AtkinsRéalis had already caught my attention earlier in the year, so I applied to them. I didn't expect a reply – but I soon had an interview, an offer, received a contract, and was enrolled with the college. I'd gone from having nothing to having everything!

What's it like to be a civil engineering apprentice at AtkinsRéalis?

I'll be honest – I thought I'd hate working in an office. The rigidity, the routine, the atmosphere – it all sounded terrible. But AtkinsRéalis completely changed my mind. From day one, I felt welcomed, supported, and valued. The people here genuinely care about how you're doing and want you to succeed.

I've already worked on some incredible projects – including data centers, water treatment plants, and roadworks – but the one that stands out most is a car park at a major airport. What I used to think of as just lines on the ground turned out to be so much more. I learned about design, project management, and client engagement. And those lessons have helped me in every project since.

What surprised me most was how early we're trusted with real responsibility. Even though my role on these projects may be small, it is still meaningful. Seeing my contributions go live on major infrastructure jobs is empowering. AtkinsRéalis trusts its early careers teams – and that trust helps you grow faster.

Is a civil engineering apprenticeship better than university?

It depends on you. An apprenticeship is hands‑on, and while you earn, you learn. Whether you take this route or the graduate path, the standards here are high – but with the right support, training, and culture, they're always achievable.

I've learned so much without even realizing it – and when I look back at who I was when I started, I can see how far I've come. I'm more confident in my skills, more aware of the value I bring, and more excited about what's ahead.

If you're considering an apprenticeship – especially in civil engineering – here's my advice: go into it wanting to learn. Be curious. Be persistent. Be open to growth. And when things go wrong, don't panic. Setbacks are chances to build resilience and show employers what you're capable of. Those qualities will take you further than any qualification alone ever could.

Explore our fantastic apprenticeships.