Interview with Apprentice Engineer of the Year Award Winner, Ben Wilcox
Apprenticeships provide a successful alternative pathway for young people to enter the sector. Winner of ACE Apprentice of the Year Award, Ben Wilcox from Nottingham shared his experiences in an interview captured below especially for ACE’s Future Prospects website.
Q. Why did you choose an engineering apprenticeship?
I am a very hands-on person, so I always knew that I wanted to do something that wasn't purely classroom-led, and that it would be an apprenticeship. Still, when I spoke to my uncle, who told me about the range of apprenticeships, not just the standard ones I already knew about, I realised that there’s so much more on offer than I realised before.
Being interested in how things are built and work, made me consider engineering. I did some research and found that structural engineering would be perfect for me as it has both a technical side and makes you think about the practicalities of how things need to be built.
Q. How did you access the scheme?
I needed my GCSEs for my apprenticeship, but the entry grades can differ depending on the apprenticeship type and level as well as the company. I’ve found it also helps to have a good work ethic and a strong desire to develop in the role.
I had to apply for the position with my CV through BWB's website for my apprenticeship. I was then fortunate enough to be offered an interview where I had to talk about my experience and future aspirations. I ensured that I showed my passion for the role during the interview stage and my eagerness to learn. These helped me to get chosen for the job.
"Working closely with professionals and on real projects has grown my experience and knowledge within the field and made me who I am today."
Ben Wilcox, ACE's Apprentice of the Year
Q. Which scheme did you choose?
I took a Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician apprenticeship at Derby College Group, while being employed by BWB Consulting where I’m two-and-a-half years into my Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.
Q. What’s your employer like?
BWB is a multi-award-winning engineering and environmental design consultancy, it’s an incredible company for an apprentice. They are so supportive and have given me so many opportunities across the business. BWB has allowed me to grow and develop as an engineer, as well as having a say in my future and the areas I want to learn and grow in
Q. What life skills have you gained from doing an apprenticeship?
I’ve gained many skills that I wouldn't have been able to until much later in life had I taken a different path. My apprenticeship has allowed me to mature and develop my understanding of how to work in a business and office. Working closely with professionals and on real projects has grown my experience and knowledge within the field and made me who I am today.
Ben Wilcox receives his award for Apprentice of the Year at the Consultancy and Engineering Awards.
Q. What makes apprenticeships a good idea?
Doing well and being successful in an apprenticeship depends on the type of person you are. An apprenticeship is hands-on work, which suits me perfectly as being hands-on is the best way to learn and develop. When I was thinking about my future and what I wanted to do, I never thought I wanted to go to College or University full-time, which is one of the best parts of an apprenticeship; you have the education whilst also being able to learn by doing the work.
I also won Student of the Year Award at Derby College as well as ACE’s 2023 Apprentice of the Year Award. It is a great honour to have been given these awards; it helps me recognise that I am doing well in my apprenticeship and working hard - it is always nice to get recognised for your hard work. It also looks good and adds value to my CV.
Q. Do you miss out on having an excellent social life by doing an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship did impact my social life, but it also has its benefits as I am being paid for working and learning, not having to work on the weekend like many of my friends. It isn't easy, to begin with, as you get pulled away from most of your friends that stay on to do A Levels or go to college, but that is short-lived, and if you enjoy your job like I do, you don't think about it too much.
"ACE provides helpful insight into the market and is excellent for understanding what is happening in the consulting engineering sector."
Ben Wilcox, ACE's Apprentice of the Year
Q. Do you meet with other apprentices?
I met a lot of other apprentices through college and at BWB who have over 25 other apprentices in the business. I also meet a lot of prospective apprentices through BWB, offering office visits for us to explain more about our apprentices and answer any questions they have.
Q. What do you think of the ACE Future Prospects website?
I think the ACE Future Prospects website is excellent for people to view the range of opportunities available in the engineering sector. It shows all the available routes and directions people can take to do what they want.
ACE provides helpful insight into the market and is excellent for understanding what is happening in the consulting engineering sector. I first heard about ACE when BWB won the Large Consultancy of the Year in 2022, and I have been following and using the resources ever since.
Q. What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’d like to go on to do my Civil Engineering HNC Level 4. It’s a great pathway into the industry, I’d recommend it to anyone.
Ben was nominated for his award by his employer BWB Consulting, a multi-award-winning engineering and environmental design consultancy.
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