Ruth Watson

We asked Ruth…

why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I started to research apprenticeships whilst studying my A-Levels. At my school, apprenticeships weren’t advertised and it was expected that if you wanted to go on to further education you went to university. I was surprised to find that you could still go to college whilst learning on the job, and even get a degree – all fully funded by your employer. I was confused as to why apprenticeships weren’t spoken about, as you can still achieve a great qualification at the same time as getting a salary. For me, really appealing so I started my application!

what has been a highlight(s) of your apprenticeship?

One of the highlights of my apprenticeship has been working on a really exciting reservoir safety project, from which I have been able to see my calculations and designs come to life and be built. From working on these schemes, it has helped me achieve NCE Apprentice of the Year (2018) and being selected to receive an ICE TQuest Scholarship.

what challenge(s) has civil engineering helped you overcome?

I have dyslexia and therefore writing reports and documents was always a challenge for me.

However, being an apprentice has enabled me to develop my writing skills and now I can write reports with ease.

This has also boosted my confidence in my written work and I’m very fortunate to have the support from my work and my college (Leeds College of Building).

which civil engineering myth(s) you would like to bust?

Is that civil engineers must be good at maths. Yes, maths is a key aspect of civil engineering, but there’s so much more to it.

Rather than hardcore maths, it’s more problem-solving. How are we going to make this structure work? What components can we use to make this more sustainable? How will this impact the environment?

which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?

An engineering project that I would have loved to have worked on is the Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam is a concrete arch gravity dam in the Colorado River in America.

The hydroelectric power generated from the 221m-high dam provides power for three states. I think it’s incredible that this structure was created in the 1930s without any of the modern technology we use today to design and construct structures today.

what about being a civil engineer inspires you?

It’s not just one job role. I didn’t know civil engineering was so broad. There are so many different sectors and opportunities.

I’ve only just scratched the surface of the water sector and I still have so much more to learn. Outlining what a civil engineer does on a day to day basis is very hard to describe. This is because being a civil engineer involves aspects of detailed design, calculations, planning, project management and more.

would you recommend a career in civil engineering?

There is always a need for a civil engineer.

Civil engineering is so broad as it contains so many different aspects. It therefore always poses something new to consider and learn from.

The environment is constantly changing and therefore solutions and structures are constantly adapting.

As a civil engineer, you’re able to use problem-solving to create something that will last for the future.

what would you say to anyone considering a civil engineering apprenticeship?

If you like problem solving and want to make a difference, then civil engineering could be for you. An apprenticeship is a great alternative route into higher education whilst learning on the job and gaining work experience the entire time.