---
title: Mohamed Baaziz
url: "https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/early-careers/meet-our-apprentices-and-graduates/mohamed-baaziz/"
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date_published: 2024-01-18
date_modified: 2025-03-18
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language: en-GB
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# Mohamed Baaziz

![Mohamed Baaziz](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/personal-story-website-header.jpg)

![mohamed-baaziz-career-profile-picture](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/01/mohamed-baaziz-career-profile-picture-300x300.png)

**Role**: Technician Degree Apprentice

**Career Area**: Engineering Design

**Current Study Level**: Degree Apprenticeship

**Location**: Leeds

###### My role at SYSTRA

As a Technician, my role is to provide technical assistance to project teams
across the Consultancy department by undergoing technical and specialist tasks
to fit the objectives set by the project manager and senior colleagues. I also
produce designs throughout the feasibility, design and construction phases.

My other duties include assisting with site visits and surveys where necessary,
recording and presenting proposals clearly, and demonstrating proficiency in the
application of a range of techniques, methods and tools. I am also tasked with
completing designs to time and budget whilst maintaining SYSTRA’s high quality
standards and helping to deliver work packages within projects.

The type of projects I work on range from highways proposals to private
developments. Designs can include preliminary and detailed designs to support
clients such as National Highways, local authorities and private developers.

#### Why I chose a degree apprenticeship

My engineering journey commenced at Bradford College, where I pursued a Level 3
Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering. Despite exhibiting what I would say was
an immature attitude at the time (rooted in my limited experience), I completed
the course and progressed to a Foundation Engineering degree at The University
of Bradford.

During my foundation year, I realised the conventional classroom setting with
over 100 students was not conducive to my learning style. Lengthy breaks between
lectures and a lack of in-depth exploration into engineering left me feeling
unfulfilled. Halfway through the foundation degree, it became apparent that I
needed a greater level of practical application to help ensure my learning would
be based in real-world, current practices within the industry. Upon receiving a
student finance letter, I confronted the significant debt incurred from my first
year of studies. It was a daunting experience for someone of my age.

Motivated to explore alternative paths, I researched degree apprenticeships and
discovered the opportunity to be paid whilst studying on a government scheme.
This option not only alleviated the financial burden, but it also allowed me to
gain practical experience alongside seasoned engineers. Recognising the limited
industry experience amongst most lecturers focused solely on theory, I sought
advice from my eldest brother who holds a MEng in Civil Engineering. He
emphasised that becoming a well-rounded engineer required practical skills
beyond theory, including effective communication, health and safety
considerations, stakeholder management and professional commitment.

Inspired by his insight, I revamped my CV and began applying for opportunities
aligned with my goal of holistic development, understanding that real-world
engineering demands a comprehensive skillset beyond theoretical knowledge.

###### We asked Mohamed…

###### How have your technical skills developed throughout your apprenticeship?

During my degree apprenticeship, my technical proficiency has grown
substantially. I have acquired expertise in the utilisation of software tools
such as AutoCAD, Civils 3D, Micro Drainage, GIS and Microsoft Office.
Additionally, I have gained the status of Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) with
the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and familiarised myself with diverse
standards and procedures essential for the designs I produce. This includes a
range of documents such as the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Traffic
Signs Manual, LTN 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure and local design guides.

###### How have you grown personally through doing an apprenticeship?

My personality has evolved from that of an immature teenager seeking enjoyment,
to that of an ambitious young man who refuses to let challenges hinder the
pursuit of his goals. The apprenticeship experience has instilled in me a drive
to reach and surpass set targets and objectives. Moreover, it has imparted the
valuable lesson that every problem possesses a solution. One simply needs to
blend consistency with determination and teamwork to overcome obstacles. Along
this journey, I’ve cultivated what I consider to be lifelong friendships with
colleagues who have played a pivotal role in guiding me through my professional
development.

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

In my opinion, if you’re seeking an early advantage in life, this pathway is
ideal for you. It not only provides an opportunity for financial independence,
eliminating the stress of balancing studies with a part-time job, but more
importantly it offers a chance to acquire transformative knowledge and
experience. An apprenticeship is tailored for those looking to gain life
changing insights.

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

SYSTRA stands out as an exceptional workplace with a welcoming atmosphere.
Colleagues form a cohesive and supportive community, where individuals are
valued as integral members rather than mere numbers on a corporate ladder.
Everyone is treated as equals, and our voices and opinions consistently reach
senior decision makers within the group. The year-round social events further
contribute to fostering strong connections amongst colleagues.

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

What I appreciate most about my job is the diversity of tasks I handle, avoiding
being confined to a narrow role. My manager supports my professional growth
excellently by expanding my tasks beyond a technician’s typical
responsibilities, assigning me a variety of engineering tasks. This approach
enables me to enhance my knowledge and engage in more than just computer-based
design work.

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

I express my individual perspectives. As a Muslim, valuing and respecting the
beliefs of others is crucial. This approach fosters effective collaboration and
facilitates the formation of meaningful connections. In a diverse workplace,
recognising that not everyone shares the same views is essential, and learning
to respect these differences is fundamental to fruitful and harmonious
interactions, which aligns perfectly with my Islamic beliefs.

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

Enabling a sustainable future involves crafting designs that contribute to the
United Nations’ environmental objectives and the mitigation of global warming.
This means creating sustainable designs focused on minimising carbon emissions.

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

I’d choose to spend my lunch break with Nick Salt, as I believe there’s so much
to learn from someone of his calibre. As the CEO of SYSTRA Ltd, he has
undoubtedly navigated numerous challenges and milestones, some which may lie
ahead for me. I often recall a saying that resonates with me – “a wise man
learns from his experience, but a wiser man learns from other people’s past
experiences”.

###### What is your next big career goal?

My next significant career objective is to attain the status of Incorporated
Engineer (IEng) with the Institute of Engineers. This accomplishment will mark a
pivotal stride towards achieving my lifelong ambition of Chartership (CEng).

###### What excites you about your career future?

The prospect of working overseas is the primary source of excitement for me.
Having never ventured far from home during my upbringing, the idea of working in
a different environment and immersing myself in diverse cultures is particularly
thrilling. SYSTRA, being a globally diverse company, provides the opportunity
for international assignments. Additionally, the introduction of a new mobility
program for graduates further enables the chance to move within the Group,
fostering relationships and gaining valuable experience with our international
partners.

[> View all ](https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/early-careers/meet-our-apprentices-and-graduates/)

[Learn more about apprenticeships](https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships/)