Shaun Jinks - BEng (Hons) Civil Engineer Apprenticeship | London South Bank University
Why did you decide to study Civil Engineering?
As cliché as it may be, I have always had an interest in how the world works. I studied an Engineering BTEC at College and upon completion I knew I wanted to learn more. To me, Civil Engineering is an appreciation of the things we take for granted every day. The pipe network that brings you clean water. The bridge that helps you cross a river. The railway or road that takes you to from A to B. All of this would not be possible without Civil Engineers.
Why did you decide to study the course at LSBU in particular?
I was lucky enough to secure a place on the Level 6 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship scheme with Transport for London (TfL). TfL send their civil engineering apprentices to LSBU because they are one of the top training providers in London, with a dedicated apprenticeship team to support you through our journey. LSBU’s Civil Engineering course is also accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, an essential part of becoming a professionally recognised engineer with institutions such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).
How will studying at LSBU help you achieve your career goals?
Completing my BEng at LSBU was the first stepping stone into my career journey to become a professionally recognised Civil Engineer. The BEng course at LSBU gives you the essential knowledge and skills that you need to thrive in the workplace.
What are the benefits of studying/working in Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering is in my opinion, the broadest engineering discipline available, with the opportunity to specialise in areas such as structures, energy, geotechnical, transport and water to name but a few. This means that you have the opportunity to see what you enjoy and find your passion within civil engineering.
What were some of the highlights of your programme.
The Civil Engineering BEng course at LSBU is renowned for being very practical and in touch with the needs and requirements of industry. This is because the course is directly influence by an Industrial Advisory Board, a voluntary group of industry leaders who advise LSBU on the knowledge and skills that they need as employers. This has had the biggest impact on the course’s Group Design Project module, where students are given a real-life civil engineering project to put all of their skills to the test.
Describe some of the support that was available to you.
The Civil Engineering department at LSBU is full of passionate engineers who are always willing to help support you in your studies. For issues outside of your course, the LSBU Student Support team can help you with anything ranging from mental health & wellbeing support to financial advice and employability support.
Do you have any advice for students who are thinking of studying Civil Engineering at LSBU?
If you are still on the fence about studying Civil Engineering, check out the Institution of Civil Engineers website to see some inspiring projects that you could be a part of! Completing my BEng at LSBU has given me the knowledge and skills that I need to thrive in the industry, and I have decided to continue my academic journey with LSBU by completing their Structural Engineering MSc course. So in other words, you won’t regret it…