Ask the Apprentice
Ed Daniels joined Gaist in January 2020 after completing a two-year Civil Engineering course.
Embedded within our Professional Services Team, he supports our local authority clients, using the detailed data we have captured about their network to help them to prioritise works for example and to use their limited resources in the most efficient way possible.
We asked him about his route to Gaist, the skills he’s acquired – and what it’s like to embark on your career during a Covid-19 pandemic…
Q: Hi Ed, what brought you to Gaist?
After finishing a level 3 qualification in civil engineering at Weston College, I wanted to put my knowledge to use. Gaist seemed like a brilliant match for an apprenticeship – somewhere that I could continue to learn about our highways in a practical environment, whilst also working towards making our roads safer.
Q: What did you excel in at school?
I excelled at maths in school. I always really enjoyed the subject and felt it was one of my stronger skills, and I liked being able to apply these skills in everyday life scenarios.
Q: Did you consider university? Why this route?
I had originally considered going to university but decided that a more practical approach might suit me better. Being able to get an understanding of the working world whilst also working towards a qualification seemed like an ideal route for me to take.
Q: Who do you look up to in the business world?
I would have to say James Dyson for his innovative ideas for the future and his aims to inspire young minds to follow career paths in engineering.
Q: What skills should school students arm themselves with today in preparation for working life?
In my experience, one of the most important skills that students need is collaboration/teamwork. Especially since working from home, I have noticed how important it is that you know how to work and communicate well with colleagues. I also believe that organisation and planning is a critical skill to have.
Q: What have been the highlights of your time with Gaist?
I would have to say completing my first year of my apprenticeship, which was also my first year at a full time job. I would also have to say adapting to the working from home environment, whilst still being relatively new to the industry.
Q:What new/cool things have you learnt with us?
I came to Gaist after studying civil engineering, so the highways sector was very new to me, having only touched on the subject at college. From this, I have learnt how spatial data can be used to help make our roads safer.
Q: What do you enjoy doing out of work?
Outside of work I am a keen football supporter following Bristol City. I also love watching new films at the cinema.
Q: What has the lockdown wfh experience been like?
Being relatively new to Gaist when we transitioned to working from home, I found that I had to adapt to the changes quickly. This meant learning new ways to communicate with the team and working on my problem solving. Although working from home has been tough, I feel that it has helped teach me new skills and helped improve my independent working.
Q:Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years time, I will have want to have completed my apprenticeship and ideally be seen as someone who has a good understanding of the highways sector. I am excited to take on more responsibilities in the next few years working for Gaist.
We’re always looking for talented, ambitious and passionate people to join our team. If you’re interested in opportunities at Gaist, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Careers and Education page or contact us on info@gaist.co.uk
