"After completing my GCSE’s I decided that A Levels would be the best option for me. I decided to take Maths, Physics, Design Technology and Spanish as I had an interest in those subjects and thought I would be more desirable to an employer if I had A levels in the core subjects. On completion of these A levels I found that a civil engineering degree was most suited to the A levels that I had completed.
I enrolled on the BEng Civil and Coastal Engineering degree at Plymouth University. After a difficult two years of studying I decided to undertake an Industrial Placement year with Carillion Civil Engineering, where I worked as a Site Engineer in Padstow, Cornwall. This was a very enjoyable and informative year which stood me in good stead for the remaining years at university.
When I returned to university I was very determined and motivated as I could see how the work I was doing related to actual work in the construction industry. On top of this, I was sponsored by Carillion to complete the BEng and MEng years, and given the opportunity to work during the summer each year which gave me even more understanding of the work that I was undertaking at university. I worked extremely hard and managed to achieve a first class honours masters degree in Civil Engineering. The course was difficult but very rewarding, it is geared towards the engineering industry, and gives you a head start when entering the world of work.
The Plymouth University lecturers are extremely helpful and also have a practical eye on the work being undertaken. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a job that will make a difference to society and is not afraid of hard work. Following graduation, I was employed by Carillion as a site engineer and am currently working on the Hayle Harbour project."