Alumni Spotlight: Matilda Carroll

For Matilda Carroll, starting as a Laboratory Technician in 2022 was the beginning of a career she quickly discovered a passion for. Keen to deepen her knowledge and develop her skills, she embraced the opportunity to take on an apprenticeship with LSP.

“When I first started as a Laboratory Technician back in 2022, I found I really enjoyed the work and had a desire to learn and understand more about the industry. After a few conversations with management I was told that the company did offer apprenticeship programmes and was given the opportunity to be enrolled on the Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with LSP.”

Gaining Skills and Industry Insight

Through her apprenticeship, Matilda developed a wide range of both professional and technical skills.

“I gained independent learning skills as I had to do a lot of independent study about the topics covered as well as doing a lot more team/collaborative work. I spent a lot of my time working independently so having multiple opportunities to work in pairs and in groups during different tasks allowed me to hear different points of view and perspectives in terms of how to approach the given topics that I wouldn’t have thought of.”

The apprenticeship also gave her a new perspective on the civil engineering industry as a whole.

“In terms of industry knowledge the course gave me a holistic overview about where my role as a Laboratory Technician fits into the industry of civil engineering and its importance. From covering health and safety to design, the course has given me a far greater understanding of why I do what I do which gave me more motivation in the workplace.”

Shaping Her Future

The apprenticeship not only boosted Matilda’s confidence in her current role but also set her up for her next big step.

“In terms of qualifications the apprenticeship has allowed me to progress onto a Civil Engineering Degree with Leeds Beckett University which I start in September. This will open doors for me in the workplace, which I am already in discussions about. The knowledge I have learnt has allowed me to become a vital member of the company I work at.”

Achievements and Recognition

Matilda is proud of the milestones she’s reached since completing her apprenticeship - from university acceptance to greater responsibilities at work.

“My biggest achievement has to be getting into university. My workplace is incredibly supportive and allowed me to do whatever I needed to ensure I got into my chosen university.”

Her commitment has also led to new responsibilities in the office:

“Not necessarily a promotion, but over the last few months I have been helping in the office with reporting testing results, getting things out to clients etc. I have since moved full time into the office due to having performed well. I will however still be in the lab when I am needed, my role now I suppose is slightly more technical and involved with clients.”

A Proud Moment

One success stands out in particular for Matilda:

“I am proud of myself for passing the EPA assessment. I don't do well when it comes to presentations and thinking on the spot so I found the whole process very daunting. I was incredibly nervous and anxious and thought I hadn't done well at all, so to see the certificate come through I was very relieved and proud of myself.”

Advice for Future Apprentices

For anyone considering an apprenticeship with LSP, Matilda’s advice is simple:

“If your workplace has offered this to you, you should 100% go for it! It has strengthened my role in the workplace 10-fold and has opened so many doors for me in the future. It’s the first stepping stone to bigger things.”

Matilda’s journey is a brilliant example of how apprenticeships provide not just skills and qualifications, but also the confidence and opportunities to shape an exciting career path.