NAW 2019 : Looking back on my apprenticeship

Simon Reeve won Construction News Apprentice of the year in 2014 and has since worked on a range of high-profile projects for our water business unit which specialises in the design and delivery of projects across the UK. Simon is now a Design Manager working on a major scheme on the island of Jersey. Here, Simon looks back on the opportunities the apprenticeship programme gave him and his advice to those considering an apprenticeship with nmcn.

“Since the first day I started with nmcn, I have always wanted to achieve and go as far and as high as I possibly can in the business”

I joined nmcn in 2011 as my job at the time didn’t inspire me to build a career. After a bit of research I came across a vacancy for an Apprentice Engineer at nmcn. I was a bit apprehensive at first having no experience of the industry however, nmcn looked like a company that could provide opportunities, and potentially help me develop a new career. There was a great feel to the company on arrival and it didn’t take long until I felt at home there.

Since the first day I started with nmcn, I have always wanted to achieve and go as far and as high as I possibly can in the business. During my time here I have been lucky enough to progress through numerous roles, all with completely different challenges and opportunities. I started 8 years ago as an Apprentice Engineer, and have since progressed through the roles of Junior Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager to my current role as Design Manager.

3D Model of Bellozanne Sewage Treatment Works

In my current role I am responsible for the Design Management and co-ordination of the design teams on the £56m Bellozanne Sewage Treatment Works Project in Jersey. It involves plenty of communication, emails, phone and conference calls, between our client and our subcontractors. One of my responsibilities is to keep the design program on track, and the process working efficiently. I challenge the design where possible, to ensure we construct in the safest and most effective manner. Visiting site to check on progress and ensure we are constructing to the required design is one of the parts of my job I enjoy the most.

“I feel lucky and grateful when I hear about my friends and their student debts.”

My learning at nmcn started with my apprenticeship and from this I gained my Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. My apprenticeship allowed me to earn money whilst learning new skills and gave me fantastic opportunities to develop as an individual. Towards the end of my apprenticeship I was awarded Construction News Apprentice of the Year 2014 which was testament to both my commitment and also nmcn’s commitment to me. Since I completed my apprenticeship nmcn has funded my BSc (Hons) degree in Construction Management, which means I’ve graduated without any debt. I feel lucky and grateful when I hear about my friends and their student debts.

 “nmcn want people to be the best version of themselves and are committed to their professional development “

nmcn have provided me with the opportunities, the training and environment to make the above possible. nmcn want people to be the best version of themselves and are committed to their professional development. The people at nmcn are inspiring to work with and the company has amazing aspirations. It is both a friendly and fantastic place to work and I can’t thank nmcn enough for the opportunities they have given me. I want to be challenged and pushed to maintain my enthusiasm for work and to see how far I can progress. I think I will always want to achieve more, so I’m excited to see where my nmcn career takes me.

“You have the opportunity to build a career based on your willingness, hard work and determination.”

My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship with nmcn is to go for it. You learn on the job and gain valuable first-hand experience and knowledge from the team around you. You have the opportunity to build a career based on your willingness, hard work and determination.

Working for a company like nmcn offers you the opportunity to work anywhere across the built environment and water sectors, in any discipline, in an office or on site across a huge range of different projects. You need to take advantage of every opportunity you get, be proactive and above all don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.