10.08.2026
As part of our Early Careers programme, we caught up with Oliver James, BIM Technician Apprentice, ahead of his visit to the UTC Careers Fair on 28 September 2026.
Based in our Wellingore office, Oliver joined Morson Praxis in 2023 as a BIM Technician Apprentice and is now part of the M&E team. He is studying for a Level 4 Building Services Engineering Senior Technician apprenticeship, alongside gaining hands-on experience working on live projects.
We asked Oliver about his apprenticeship journey, what he has learned so far and what advice he would give to students considering a career in engineering.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
“I knew I still wanted academic education, but I was determined to get the hands-on practical experience that a job provides. An apprenticeship was the best option to continue my studies while learning industry practices and norms.”
For Oliver, combining academic study with practical experience has allowed him to develop his technical knowledge while gaining a real understanding of the engineering industry.
What motivates you in your work?
“Every task requires problem solving, so it feels like a puzzle to be figured out. There’s not always an obvious answer, which makes every task interesting.”
Oliver says he is also motivated by the opportunity to continue learning and developing his skills throughout his apprenticeship.
His experience so far has included working on projects such as Greencore and Chesterfield, where he was able to take on greater responsibility and see how the drawings he produced were being used on site.
What skills have you developed since starting your apprenticeship?
One of the skills Oliver has developed most is his ability to multitask and manage several projects at once.
“I’ve had to learn techniques to improve my organisation skills, so any job I’ve worked on I can quickly get up to speed with what I’ve done and what’s expected to be delivered.”
Alongside his technical development, Oliver has also learned the importance of asking questions and learning from those around him.
What advice would you give to students considering a career in engineering?
Oliver’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to ask questions.
“The industry is so vast and complicated that it would be impossible to go in knowing everything, so asking questions and learning from each other in the team and company is an imperative skill to learn.”
For students who are interested in engineering but aren’t sure which direction to take, Oliver believes there are opportunities across a wide range of career paths.
“If you’ve got a drive and a passion for engineering, there’s no wrong answer. There are always opportunities no matter what career path you take.”
