Ruth Watson is a civil engineer apprentice at Mott MacDonald, with one day of her week spent with Leeds College of Building
Ruth works for Mott MacDonald as a civil engineer apprentice. She currently works in the dams and reservoirs team as a project leader. She has recently trialled a digital tool that helps compare the impact that various methods of construction have on carbon emissions.
During her gap year, Ruth reflected on the career that she would like and realised that university wasn’t for her. She spent time researching her options and was shocked at the variety of apprenticeships available. She was excited by the prospects that you could get a degree and get sponsored by an employer, while learning on the job.
Ruth applied for a number of apprenticeships and secured a higher apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald. She attends Leeds College of Building one day a week. The other four days are spent in the office or on-site.
In December 2018, Ruth was awarded the prestigious New Civil Engineer Apprentice of the Year award.
Ruth said about her award win: “To apply, I had to answer five questions, including a short essay on how I am embracing technology. From my application, I was one of five in the UK to be shortlisted. The second stage was a presentation in front of 15 judges in London about technology and the industry. All the finalists were invited to the award ceremony where they announced the winner. I couldn’t believe it when they read my name out!”
Visit www.lcb.ac.uk to find out more about apprenticeship training at Leeds College of Building
