We are delighted to announce that Oliver Briggs has successfully completed his Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship and has passed his End Point Assessment, earning EngTech MICE accreditation with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). This outstanding achievement marks a significant milestone, as Oliver becomes the first graduate of the MGF Grass Routes Programme.
Oliver’s success is testament to his hard work, commitment, and the strength of the Grass Routes initiative in nurturing the next generation of civil engineering professionals.
We are also pleased to share that Oliver has been accepted onto the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Salford, where he will pursue a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering. This next step will see him working towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng MICE) status with the ICE.
Oliver joined MGF immediately after completing secondary school. His introduction to the company came through our Head of Design, Lee Womersley, who met Oliver during a local high school open evening and later delivered a career talk at his school. This coincided with the launch of our Grass Routes programme, an academic and career pathway designed to support young people in pursuing a future in civil engineering.
“MGF’s Grass Routes apprenticeship programme was launched in 2020 as a new approach to developing engineering talent,” said Lee. “Our goal was to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals by nurturing talent from the ground up, starting with students from the very schools we once attended.”
Oliver’s Experience
How did your apprenticeship unfold?
“The first few months were all about settling into my new role. I began in the CAD team, shadowing colleagues and learning the fundamentals of engineering. As the year progressed, I rotated through different departments while my academic studies intensified.
Every 6–8 weeks, I had college catch-ups where I was given goals and milestones to achieve before the next session. These were mirrored by objectives set within MGF, which helped me develop both technically and professionally.
At the end of the apprenticeship, I submitted a portfolio and completed an End Point Assessment that reflected everything I had learned over the past three years.”
What was your biggest success?
“Personal growth was my biggest achievement. Transitioning straight from school into a professional environment was a challenge. Balancing work, study, and life was overwhelming at first. But it motivated me to take ownership of my career. I’ve gained confidence in managing my workload and prioritising tasks effectively.”
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in civil engineering?
“One of the biggest advantages is gaining hands-on experience and qualifications while enjoying job security. Working alongside experienced professionals has been invaluable to my development. I’d highly recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone interested in a career in civil engineering.”
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