My Stantec Story: Building an apprentice career in civil engineering with Kate Kelly
December 07, 2022
Kate shares how the apprenticeship route means she’s not only building on her professional experience, but her confidence too
In the My Stantec Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Stantec have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
Tell us about your role…
I joined Stantec’s Newcastle office in August 2022 as an apprentice civil engineer in the Water team, not long after leaving high school and finishing my GCSEs. In the Water team, we provide services relating to water resources, water supply, wastewater networks and treatment, flood mitigation, and more. With being an apprentice, I don’t have a specific role yet; however, I really enjoy getting involved in many projects across my team and office as it gives me a taste of everything that Stantec does.
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What attracted you to a career at Stantec?
Whilst searching for apprenticeships, a family member who was aware of Stantec recommended I look into the Company. Taking their advice, I applied after doing some research about Stantec and its values. What attracted me to pursue my career with Stantec was how much they prioritise people, their communities, and sustainability. Another thing that attracted me was how focussed they are on equality and diversity—this really called out to me being a female going into the engineering industry and being someone who suffers from Alopecia. I was hoping to gain more confidence in myself, where I could be in a mature environment, especially where I could be accepted for who I am and where I can express myself.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy the most about my role is having the opportunity to learn and gain work experience at the same time. I’m more than happy that I made the choice that I did, going for an apprenticeship, rather than staying in full-time education—and I’m also making money on the side too. Being an apprentice will give me a skill that many employers look for and will help me develop into the professional world the way I want to be.
What I enjoy the most about my role is having the opportunity to learn and gain work experience at the same time.
How has your personal and professional development been supported at Stantec?
I think that my personal development has grown so much, along with my professional development ever since joining Stantec. I have gained much more confidence in myself, especially with my Alopecia, I don’t feel scared to go in to work anymore when showing my hair and not wearing my wigs. It’s such a different environment and a better one than school for me. For anyone not knowing where to go after school, I highly recommend going down the apprenticeship route, especially with Stantec.
What are your ambitions for the future at Stantec?
My ambitions for my future are to become more experienced in the areas that I work in, complete my Level 3 course I am currently studying at college, and qualify for my end-point assessment (EPA).
What are your passions outside of work?
I really enjoy playing online on my Xbox, especially on Overwatch 2. I spend a lot of time with my boyfriend, and we enjoy travelling together too. I like to go to Tynemouth markets to search for vinyls. And I love being at the beach getting an ice cream or some chips!
Why should others join the Stantec team?
Stantec is an amazing company to join, from my experience so far. I feel as though the way they treat and understand their employees is outstanding! Everyone is super kind and welcoming—it’s very comforting, especially if you are as young as I am and entering your first job ever. Everyone takes care of each other and Stantec really do put people first.
At Stantec, we put people first, and for Kate in her first ever professional position straight from school that means support from those around her to take these initial steps in her apprenticeship. If you want to start your career at Stantec, visit Graduates & Apprentices to find out more.