Name
Christine Laessing
What apprenticeship are you studying?
Level 6 Civil Engineering BEng Hons
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship with Cormac?
I had been employed by Cormac for 7 years and was unable to access the projects that I wanted to work on, further study was required to prove my passion and commitment to best civil engineering practise.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
I chair meetings with external clients, ensure my team’s deadlines are met, assess the viability of new work opportunities, mentor colleagues, attend site visits and monitor finances through different contracts.
What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?
Exeter University is incredible, the staff and facilities are super.
What skills and experience have you gained as part of your apprenticeship?
Before I applied, I spoke to friends in Cormac already on the course who gave me a good idea of what to expect; it was a long time since I was last studying at this level and the maths was impressively challenging! Passing the ‘Advance Mathematics for Engineers’ Module was an experience, both work and the university were incredibly helpful supporting me with additional resources.
What has been your proudest moment during your apprenticeship?
Cormac and Exeter University have strong links with the ICE, during my apprenticeship I have gained QUEST Scholarship Award from the ICE. I am currently a graduate member and looking forward to becoming an Incorporated Member of the ICE soon after completion of the academic course and the apprenticeship.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
If you are passionate about delivering a safer, cleaner, greener world to all and wish to see the beauty of mathematical geometry applied to our everyday surroundings – go for it!