I’m making a difference every day – that’s the joy of it!
Marcie Martins is a Civil Engineering Apprentice at Tetra Tech. A former Head Girl of St Patrick’s College in Dungannon, Marcie is seeing how her work is making a difference to people’s lives across N. Ireland. She explains her growing interest in engineering and offers some career advice.
The more I did, the more my interest grew
I developed an interest in engineering from quite early on in St Patrick’s. This interest grew through taking part in work experience, tours and projects.
One project I took part in was designing a bus shelter for the school. A local manufacturing company then made it and it’s now in place and being used every day! That project gave me good insights into engineering and introduced me to the design software I’d be working with. It was a small, first step but it did introduce me to some key principles of engineering including the importance of having an eye for detail. It also showed me how engineering impacts our everyday life.
My skills and interests matched a career in engineering
As I moved through school, I became more certain that I wanted to pursue a career in engineering. By Year 12 I had decided I wanted to become a Civil Engineer. With that in mind, I took every opportunity to grow my knowledge and skills through work experience and attending careers fairs and talks.
I don’t have a typical day – my job is varied and very social!
Tetra Tech is a consultancy engineering firm, so my job is a mix of office-based work and site visits. Most of my work is focused on delivering clean water projects for NI Water including maintaining assets in the water treatment plants.
It’s very interesting and there’s real joy in knowing my work is helping the country. I’m dealing with so many people from across different companies and organisations. It’s giving me broad and rich experience in managing and working on a mix of projects.
The blend of uni and work is ideal
I’m doing an HLA in Civil Engineering at Ulster University. Getting the mix of academic study and work is great. There are no ‘cons’ and so many ‘pros’ to doing an apprenticeship!
Having a salary is also a highlight of an apprenticeship. I started in September and bought a car by December! I’m now saving towards buying a house. I’m studying for a degree and already on the career ladder. I’m also still able to enjoy football and play for my local club in my spare time.
Top tip! Think carefully about your subject choices!
I chose subjects for GCSE including Digital Technology, BTEC Engineering and Further Maths. I did single award science for GCSE but I should have done Double Award as I had to do my Physics GCSE when I was in Sixth Form. I wish I’d given that more thought when I was choosing my GCSEs! That’s the key advice I’d offer younger teens – think carefully about your GCSE choices and do your best to ensure they fit with what you want to do after school.
An apprenticeship suited me - I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!
I knew an apprenticeship suited me. I couldn’t wait to start working after I left school - having the opportunity to do a degree and work is amazing. I’m so glad I choose this option!
Workplus made it easy
Workplus made applying for an apprenticeship easy. I was able to apply for a number of opportunities and got two interviews. Being able to demonstrate my interest in engineering helped me both in terms of my application and interviews. I accepted the role with Tetra Tech and haven’t looked back.
Marcie Martins
Civil Engineering Apprentice, Tetra Tech
