What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship allows you to combine work and study by providing valuable on-the-job learning with an off the job educational programme.
Discover opportunities nowRamiya - Assistant Site Manager
What do we offer?
We offer the opportunity to study for a formal qualification, usually one day a week at university, college, training centre or in the workplace. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will have gained relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in your chosen career pathway and progress to the next level of your career.
Your approved study programme will depend on the role that you're training for. You'll gain a nationally recognised qualification, up to degree level, at the end of your apprenticeship.
We can also support your T level qualification designed to develop vocational skills required to assist in higher study, employment or apprenticeships. T levels are work experience based and help gain key skills and knowledge in the workplace.
What are the entry requirements?
- Must have a valid right to work in the UK at the time of application.
- You will need a GSCE in Maths and English at level 4 or above for level 2.
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeships will need A-Levels or a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject. Some study programmes may require specific subjects or grades.
We support the following apprenticeships at level 2 to level 6, including:
Groundwork
Build the foundations of the future! Get hands-on experience in construction, excavation, and site preparation.
Civil Engineering
Design, innovate, and power the infrastructure of tomorrow with cutting-edge engineering skills.
Electrical Engineering
Design, innovate, and power the infrastructure of tomorrow with cutting-edge engineering skills.
Site Supervisor
Learn to lead on-site operations, ensuring projects run smoothly, safely, and on schedule.
Quantity Surveyor
Master the art of budgeting, cost management, and financial control in major construction projects.
Project Management
Plan, coordinate, and deliver infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
Business Support
Keep the business running behind the scenes, gaining expertise in HR, finance, and administration.
Site Management
Take charge of construction sites, managing teams, timelines, and top-tier projects.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are a new qualification, so individual colleges may set entry requirements. However, they are designed to be equivalent to A-Levels, so entry is likely to be 5 GCSE grades 9 – 4 with a grade 5 in the subject you wish to study.
If you have any questions surrounding an Apprenticeship with Octavius, please reach out to the Team – Emergingtalent@octavius.co.uk
A day in the life of an apprentice
Josh Wheatley - Trainee Engineer, Rail at Octavius
Life of an Apprentice at Octavius
Being an apprentice is an amazing way to gain hands-on experience in the industry while earning a qualification. When I first started, I had little knowledge of construction, let alone railways! However, through my apprenticeship, I've developed key skills such as tracking project progress, creating essential documents, and finding solutions to challenges on-site. If you're considering a similar role, here’s a look at what a typical week as an apprentice at Octavius is like.
Mondays: University Day
My week kicks off with a day release to the University of Portsmouth, where I’m studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. This means that every Monday, I step away from my work duties to attend lectures and seminars. Unlike traditional students, I won’t graduate with student debt-Octavius fully funds my tuition!
While a standard civil engineering degree takes three years, my degree apprenticeship spans five years, as I attend university one day per week while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. This setup means that by the time I graduate, I’ll have not only a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering but also five years of industry experience that full-time students typically don’t have.
The university learning covers a broad range of useful topics, from economics to understanding structures, many of which I apply directly to my work. If the coursework ever becomes overwhelming, the Octavius team is incredibly supportive, offering additional time to focus on my studies when needed.
Tuesday to Friday: Life on Site
From Tuesday to Friday, I’m on-site, working alongside experienced professionals and getting hands-on experience with real engineering projects. My daily tasks vary but can include:
- Producing daily diaries to track project progress
- Completing steel surveys to ensure quality and compliance
- Attending design meetings to understand project requirements
- Supervising on-site surveys, such as bat surveys or flood modelling
If you're looking at this and thinking, "I wouldn’t know where to start with any of that," don’t worry I felt the same at first! But one of the best things about an apprenticeship at Octavius is the supportive environment. Everyone is willing to help, and I always feel comfortable asking questions when I need guidance.
For me, being an apprentice is all about trying new things, learning from mistakes, and building confidence. The best way to learn is by actually doing, and I get to apply my university knowledge to real-world situations every day.
Exciting Projects I’ve Been Part Of
During my time as an apprentice, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some incredible engineering projects, including:
- Bridge replacements—removing old structures and installing new ones
- Railway installations—working on track removal and replacement
- Pier strengthening—reinforcing key structural elements
- Supervising environmental surveys, like bat surveys and flood modelling
- Design meetings—collaborating with engineers to plan and execute projects
