The first students have taken their places at Amey Consulting's new Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship (CEDA) programme. Working in partnership with The School of Energy, Construction and Environment (ECE) at Coventry University, the programme will help bring new talent into the industry, support the skills gap, encourage diversity, and foster local skills in regional areas.

The programme, delivered over 5 years, gives the apprentices access to Coventry University's Laboratories to work on materials, structures, hydraulics, geotechnics, and a simulation centre (the only one of its type in the UK, and one of only three globally) where a 'virtual' construction site will help prepare them for the workplace. The degree includes practical work experience, delivering engineering solutions in a team.

The degree apprentices will put this into practice in Amey Consulting's Highways Design business, working on major engineering schemes across England, completing work-based assignments on the projects they are involved in.


Apprentice, Esha Malhi, recommended the scheme as: "A brilliant opportunity to learn the theoretical side of engineering and gain exposure to the 'hands-on' side. My time at university has been exciting; I've had the chance to connect with the other apprentices and develop my problem-solving and practical skills throughout the modules. I'm looking forward to utilising the knowledge and skills I've enhanced during my time at university, in the office."

Rodney Moffett, Business Director, Highways and Property, Amey Consulting said: "Launching the fully-funded Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship gives the apprentices an opportunity to graduate with a BEng HONS Degree in Civil Engineering as well as work towards incorporated engineer (IEng) and chartered engineer (CEng) status. I'm looking forward to working with the Degree Apprentices as they begin their careers across Consulting's Highways business, gaining valuable and practical work experience."

Jason Jordan, Deputy Head of the School of Energy, Construction and Environment at Coventry University, said: "The opportunity to help civil engineers of the future to plug the skills gap and bolster a really important industry is a really exciting one for us. We're delighted to be collaborating with Amey Consulting to give these apprentices hands-on experience and access to cutting-edge facilities, giving them excellent preparation to pursue careers in civil engineering."

In September Amey Consulting will be welcoming a further twelve Rail Degree apprentices, along with five Environmental Practitioner apprentices and three Data Science apprentices – both 'firsts' for Amey Consulting.

These schemes are an integral part of Amey's commitment to drive innovation in employment practices, striving for greater inclusion within the workplace and its commitment to the 5% club pledge of hiring more apprentices.