Kieran - Apprentice Bridge Technician

Tell us a little bit about yourself – Your work background, your interests…

I started my apprenticeship in September 2015, now finished I am looking to start my degree in Civil Engineering, this will be with the support of the new levy from the government which helps fund apprenticeships.

Working part of Wiltshire Council I get to manage my own time and take part in different schemes from A350 duelling works in Chippenham to the rights of way footbridges in the countryside. 

I like to go travelling and want to visit many more places, I have worked abroad in Greece for two months have been travelling in Philippines and skiing in Austria.

I also like to go to festivals, including Reading, Creamfields, V festival, Boardmasters and Womad.

What's the best thing about working at Wiltshire Council, and your job specifically?

The variety of work at Wiltshire Council helps with learning and knowledge of different areas of civil engineering. There are major projects, structures, integrated transport, street works, weather and drainage, this helps me gain experience with different schemes and the confidence to get involved.

Also with the diverse amount of work which helps with my education, I can show how different projects I’m apart of can relate to work I need for my degree or NVQ.

Since starting your apprenticeship, what would you say is the best thing about working at Wiltshire Council, and your job specifically?

My favourite thing about working at Wiltshire Council is that I get the opportunity to visit projects and watch them unfold. The Chippenham A350 will be a new experience where I am based on site supervising and learning what happens from a technical point of view and see how his directly effects construction. I also have the opportunity to manage my own schemes, this includes setting my own deadlines, right from start to the end of the project. 

Before working with Wiltshire Council I worked two jobs; bricklayers labourer and a barman. I was working long hours and weekends which would take up most of my free time not allowing me time to play rugby. The flexibility I get working at the council has now I am free on the weekends and able to play rugby again also stay fit by going to the gym.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Best way to start the day is with a cup of coffee.

What do you wish you knew more about?

Stock trading, Forex, Binary Options, Crypto Currency.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

The Louvre in Paris

What was the most memorable gift you’ve received?

A skydive!

What's the most daring thing you've ever done?

The most daring thing I have ever done is sky diving, this was a surprise for my birthday and I was blindfolded to the airfield.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for an apprenticeship at Wiltshire Council?

I would say you would be foolish not to apply. It is a great opportunity and because Wiltshire Council has lots of different sectors, once you are in you can choose to follow any path and Wiltshire will support you.