Role: Transport Planner Level 3 Apprentice

Career Area: Transport Strategy and Planning

Current Study Level: Level 3 Apprenticeship

Location: Leeds

My role at SYSTRA

I work on behalf of the Development and Infrastructure team on the consultancy side of the business. In my role, I am involved in various projects, long-term and short-term, and my tasks range from report writing, to undertaking site visits, looking at comparisons between current and proposed projects and more. 

A lot of my work is undertaken on behalf of National Highways as part of the Jacobs SYSTRA Joint Venture, and includes the review of planning applications and DCO applications relating to the Strategic Road Network [SRN]. 

In addition, I am also involved with GIS work to create visual maps of current and future sustainable routes, for example active travel routes and bus lanes. I include these maps in a report, highlighting what the maps show and why they are important. 

Why I chose an apprenticeship

I chose an apprenticeship with SYSTRA as I felt like the position of Transport Planner related to my interests and passion for sustainable development. In addition, SYSTRA has been very supportive of my aspiration to undertake a degree apprenticeship after my Level 3 apprenticeship. When deciding between Sixth Form or an apprenticeship, I felt like there were so many more opportunities that would come from undertaking the latter, including real-life work experience that I wouldn’t get if I did A-levels. 

I believe undertaking an apprenticeship at SYSTRA has given me the best opportunity to progress my career at an early age, whilst gaining knowledge on working in a professional environment with personal and corporate responsibilities. 

We asked Gracie…
How have your technical skills developed throughout your apprenticeship?

I have learnt to use QGIS to create many visual maps. I am continuously learning about the software, enabling me to create even more complex versions. 

How have you grown personally through doing an apprenticeship?

Throughout my apprenticeship I have learnt how to balance my work and study effectively, ensuring deadlines are met through prioritising work efficiently. In addition, I have learnt more about responsibilities and the importance of professionalism in the workplace. 

What advice would you offer to someone who’s unsure if an apprenticeship is right for them?

Many people are unsure on whether to undertake an apprenticeship due to lack of knowledge about what opportunities they offer. I would suggest those people visit a careers fair or talk to someone undertaking an apprenticeship. This will allow them to see the advantages of an apprenticeship, for example, being able to gain qualifications whilst working. 

How does SYSTRA stand out as a great place to work?

Throughout my apprenticeship my line manager has been very supportive with work and study. My team have also been very accommodating and there are many people I can go to if I have any questions or need some clarification. I also think having a ‘buddy’ has also been very helpful, especially during the early stages of my apprenticeship. 

What’s your favourite thing about your job right now?

My favourite part of my job is the variety of work I get involved in, enabling me to gain lots of work experience in lots of different areas, and increase my knowledge exponentially. 

Diversity is powerful. What unique perspective do you offer as an apprentice?

My college course allows me to gain knowledge in other areas surrounding my specialism within the industry, which I can then apply in the workplace. In addition, as I am someone in the very early stages of my career, I believe I bring different views and opinions that others may not have thought of. 

What would an entirely green future look like? How should our industry contribute?

I believe an entirely green future consists of fully sustainable solutions that are taken as a preferred option. The sustainable options need to be more cost effective, but also easier to manufacture compared to unsustainable options. To achieve this, everyone needs to work together, cross-industry. 

You can spend your lunchbreak with anyone you admire – who would you choose?

I would spend my lunchbreak with the CEO of SYSTRA Ltd, Nick Salt. I believe this would be very beneficial for me to understand more about the business and where it is heading in the future with regards to sustainability. I also believe I would gain a lot of knowledge from the CEO, as there is so much to learn about how he got to where he is now. I feel it would be very inspiring. 

What is your next big career goal?

Once I achieve my Level 3 apprenticeship in Transport Planning, I hope to swiftly move onto the Level 6 degree apprenticeship in the same subject. 

What excites you about your career future?

I am very excited to gain more knowledge throughout the rest of my studies as an apprentice, and then move up the business to gain more responsibility and help others. 

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