At Dowhigh, our apprentices are an integral part of our workforce, gaining hands-on experience while studying towards their degrees. Currently, we have three apprentices: Max Howard, Rowan Sansbury, and Harry Barnes, each pursuing different career paths within the construction and civil engineering industries. Here, we take a closer look at what a typical day is like for each as they balance work and study.
Harry Barnes – Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6 – BEng)
About the Apprenticeship
Harry is currently undertaking a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 (BEng), which is a five-year program. He joined Dowhigh in September 2024 and has been gaining valuable experience since then.
Daily Responsibilities
Harry’s role is predominantly site-based, though some tasks require office work. His main duties include:
- Daily site diaries and site records to ensure accurate documentation of ongoing projects.
- Setting out and construction supervision, ensuring that the construction aligns with the project design and specifications.
- Using advanced technology and equipment such as laser levels and theodolites to set out kerb lines and drainage systems with precision.
Learning and Challenges
Through his apprenticeship, Harry is learning practical engineering skills, including:
- Setting out methods and various construction techniques.
- Project management, planning, and design to prepare for future leadership roles.
- Problem-solving in real-life construction scenarios.
One of the biggest challenges he has faced is learning to use setting out instruments, as they were entirely new to him. However, through hands-on experience and guidance from his supervisors, he has steadily gained confidence in using them efficiently.
Exciting Projects
Harry is currently working on a major project on Priory Road in L4, which involves:
- Implementing a new carrier drainage system.
- New footways and kerbs.
- Complete resurfacing of the carriageway from Walton Lane to Utting Avenue.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
Harry chose this apprenticeship over full-time university because he prefers a practical approach to learning. He values the ability to earn while learning, gain hands-on experience, and avoid student debt, making him well-prepared for future career opportunities.
Future Career Aspirations
Upon completing his apprenticeship, Harry will qualify as a Chartered Civil Engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). He may also pursue a Master’s in Civil Engineering and sees himself progressing into project management in the long term.
Advice for Aspiring Apprentices
Harry believes that anyone interested in civil engineering and construction should consider an apprenticeship. While balancing university and work requires dedication, it ultimately creates a well-rounded professional with extensive industry experience.
Rowan Sansbury – BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship
About the Apprenticeship
Rowan is pursuing a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship, a five-year program. She has been with Dowhigh for three years and eight months, gaining significant industry experience.
Daily Responsibilities
Rowan’s role is a mix of both office and site work. Her key responsibilities include:
- Subcontractor payments and financial management.
- Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs) to track project costs.
- Pricing and valuations for ongoing and future projects.
- Managing the Liverpool maintenance contract, ensuring smooth operations and compliance.
Learning and Challenges
Throughout her apprenticeship, Rowan has been honing her skills in:
- Site measuring, payments, valuations, and pricing.
- Contract management, understanding how different contracts operate for various councils and clients.
A major challenge she has faced is dealing with disputes over measurements and payments. By providing evidence and explaining the necessary procedures, she has successfully resolved conflicts, enhancing her negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Exciting Projects
Rowan has been heavily involved in the Liverpool Maintenance Contract since 2021. In April 2025, she will transition to a new contract with a broader scope of work, further expanding his expertise.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
Rowan’s father suggested she explore a Quantity Surveying (QS) career due to her strong mathematical abilities in school. The combination of practical experience and education has proven to be the right fit for her, allowing her to develop her skills while working in the field.
Future Career Aspirations
Upon completion, Rowan aims to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). She sees herself staying in civil engineering long-term as her knowledge continues to grow daily.
Advice for Aspiring Apprentices
Rowan strongly recommends an apprenticeship as it provides twice the knowledge compared to a full-time degree. By working alongside studying, apprentices gain real-world experience, ensuring they are not “thrown into the deep end” once they graduate.
Max Howard – HNC Civil Engineering Apprenticeship (Level 4)
About the Apprenticeship
Max is currently undertaking a Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering, which is a three-year program. He has been with Dowhigh for two years and five months, gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Daily Responsibilities
Max’s role is a mix of site supervision and office work. His key duties include:
- Supervising site operations and ensuring jobs are completed correctly.
- Providing photographic evidence and maintaining site diaries.
- Taking testing samples to ensure quality and compliance.
Learning and Challenges
Max has developed new skills in:
- Levelling and surveying.
- Using GPS systems to set out points.
A significant challenge he has faced is adapting to design changes. He has overcome this by working closely with his supervisors, collaborating to find solutions to any issues that arise.
Exciting Projects
Max has been working on the A59 project, assisting the Senior Engineer in plotting points for the new footway installation.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
Max has always had a passion for construction and improving the built environment. He saw this apprenticeship as the perfect way to gain practical experience while learning.
Future Career Aspirations
Max envisions staying in the engineering sector, with aspirations of progressing into construction management or similar leadership roles.
Advice for Aspiring Apprentices
Max believes that anyone who enjoys problem-solving and working outside rather than sitting in an office all day would thrive in engineering.
Final Thoughts
At Dowhigh, we take pride in developing the next generation of civil engineers and quantity surveyors. Our apprentices, like Max, Harry and Rowan, play a vital role in our projects while receiving top-tier education and training. Their experiences highlight the value of apprenticeships in combining practical work, education, and career development, paving the way for successful futures in the construction industry.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship, their stories serve as proof that learning on the job provides unparalleled advantages, equipping individuals with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to thrive in their chosen careers.