Design, Surveying and Planning – Logan

T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning

Studying a Design, Surveying and Planning (DSP) T Level helped Logan Daffern take his first steps towards a career in engineering. Through a work placement at Laing O’Rourke, he gained valuable experience and progressed into a degree apprenticeship within the company. 

Now working as a Structural Engineer, Logan is continuing to develop his career while putting his skills and knowledge into practice.

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Where has your journey taken you since leaving college?

“While studying Design, Surveying and Planning at North Notts College, I completed a 45-week industry placement at Laing O’Rourke. This experience opened the door to my current career as a structural engineer, where I’m now in charge of two projects.

Alongside my role, I’m studying for a Level 6 Civil Engineering degree at Nottingham Trent University.”

What do you enjoy most about your current role or studies?

 “I quite like how difficult it is. There are lots of different ways to approach things, and plenty of opportunities to grow in my current role. I also enjoy maths and design, just knowing that my work actually means something and seeing it in person on a live project is really satisfying.

In terms of my week, I work full-time, four days a week, and then I’m at university one day a week. Obviously, during university holidays, I still work that day, but I get paid to go to university. It’s a really good opportunity.”

Looking back, how did your course prepare you for your next steps?

“Without the course, I wouldn’t have my job at Laing O’Rourke. Through T Levels, you get the opportunity to have an interview with the company and basically get your foot in the door.”

“The bespoke learning based on different job roles also helped prepare me for university. The maths and design, along with the different teachers and their individual strengths, really prepared me for what was to come.”

Which part of your course stood out to you most?

“Definitely the placement at Laing O’Rourke, which I enjoyed far more than I expected. While I was there, I got to experience different roles, spending time in both the factory and the office. It gave me a better understanding of the different opportunities available.

Getting the chance to do a real job in a workplace while still learning at college was really valuable. The other lessons were interesting too and gave me the knowledge I needed, but the hands-on experience was what stood out most.”

For someone considering studying this course, what advice would you give?

“I would happily say confidence is key in all aspects of everyday life, but especially on this course. That’s a big part of why I got on at Laing O’Rourke. We had to do an interview, I stepped forward for the presentation, and I was confident. That’s exactly what got me where I needed to be today.

Another thing I’d say is to actually do the work and try to understand what you’re learning about, not just listen to the formula and then write it down. Try to understand it before you move forward.”

Find out more about Construction courses and the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning.