If you’re ready to break the mould, an apprenticeship is the way to go!

If you were to tell a young Talha that he’d be a civil engineer at 16, he’d probably ask if that involves playing with Lego. Funnily enough, he wouldn’t be too far off.

Growing up, I was always captivated by Lego, amazed at how a handful of simple studded bricks could come together to create anything I imagined.

As I got older, that fascination only grew, naturally steering me toward a career in civil engineering.

As embarrassing as it might sound, you might still catch me sneaking in some Lego time at 21— purely for ‘engineering research’, of course.

Breaking the mould

Coming from a South Asian culture, once you finish the mandated years at school, the expectation is that you will enter either full-time education or employment.

So, when 16-year-old me wished for a blend of both, some people raised concerns.

“You won’t be able to cope with both”, and "apprenticeships are for dropouts" were just a couple of the misconceptions I faced.

Despite the concerns, I decided to apply for a level 3 apprenticeship in civil engineering.

After collecting a handful of rejection letters, full-time education began to look more tempting — but my passion for hands-on learning was what drew me to apprenticeships in the first place.

I wasn’t about to give up that easily.

Through persistence and dedication, I successfully secured and accepted my level 3 apprenticeship at Tony Gee.

Constructing my career, one project at a time

Having completed my level 3 and now progressing through my level 6, I have gained invaluable experience over the past four years.

This journey has allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, develop practical skills, and collaborate with professionals across various projects.

With each project, I feel a step closer to becoming a fully qualified engineer.

As an apprentice, I’ve had the opportunity to gain practical experience across a variety of fields, including highways, drainage, and, most recently, sustainability.

While my role is mainly office based, I’ve also had the opportunity to get onsite, seeing designs and plans turn into tangible infrastructure.

Building a greener tomorrow

Achieving net zero is a central goal for many industries today, especially civil engineering. As an apprentice, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to this effort.

In my role as sustainability analyst on the Midland Metro, I examine data to pinpoint areas where carbon emission cuts are possible.

It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work directly supports broader environmental and social sustainability goals, making a meaningful impact on the community and beyond.

Awards, applause, and achievements

The apprenticeship space rewards talent and hard work, providing valuable opportunities in return.

Over the past four years, I’ve been fortunate to receive numerous accolades and opportunities in recognition of my efforts. It has expanded my network and boosted my confidence.

Some of these opportunities include:

• being awarded the ICE QUEST Technician Scholarship;
• speaking at the ICE Annual Apprenticeship Conference;
• receiving two nominations for the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards (most recently being highly commended in the construction services sector); and
• contributing to various apprentice-lead initiatives, such as ACE Insights and Aspiring Professionals in STEM.

I hope my hard work will keep opening new doors and I’m extremely grateful that it hasn’t gone unseen so far.

Apprentice to advocate

With apprenticeships becoming an increasingly popular choice for students, I feel it’s important for me to give back and help others access roles and opportunities like mine.

Initiatives such as National Apprenticeship Week provide valuable insights, allowing students to hear directly from apprentices and gain a clearer understanding of what to expect.

Attending school career events, assisting with work experience, and providing Q&A sessions are just a few things I do to help the next generation.

I believe it's crucial for apprenticeship providers to hear the 'learner's voice' and collaborate effectively to achieve shared goals.

The road ahead

In true civil engineer fashion, I’ve carefully planned and spreadsheeted my plan for the coming years.

I hope to graduate from my BEng level 6 apprenticeship at the University of Warwick in 2028, gaining my Incorporated Engineer accreditation soon after, marking the end of my apprenticeship.

Along the way, I hope to continue reaping the benefits of the apprenticeship, as I have so far.

I will seize every opportunity that comes my way with the enthusiasm and determination that I began my journey with.

Global outlook

With the versatility and global relevance of civil engineering in mind, I aspire to travel through my work, contributing to infrastructure development in different parts of the world.

Conversations with engineers and technicians in the office and across the wider industry have shown me just how achievable this dream can be.

In the long term, I aspire to achieve chartered status with the ICE while continuing to advocate for the apprenticeship route.

My goal from the beginning has been to challenge stereotypes and change misconceptions, and I hope that I can make a lasting impact through my actions within the apprenticeship space.

If you’re ready to break the mould, challenge yourself, and build your future, an apprenticeship is the way to go!