Clive Sayers
Study Type: Apprenticeship
Study Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Studied: Professional Construction
ICE success for Derby City Council civil engineer marks a first for DCG higher apprenticeship
Keen cyclist and Derby City Council civil engineer Clive Sayers is in a job which combines his hobby with work.
The former Derby College Group higher apprentice is now an engineer in Traffic and Transportation with the council. He is currently involved in developing cycle paths and sustainable transport in Derby.
Clive, 53, always wanted to go into civil engineering. In 2018 his employer gave him the opportunity to take a level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship at the Roundhouse on day release.
In July he become a member of the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) at Eng. Tech level – the first DCG higher apprentice to do so, via the apprenticeship gateway.
Clive said: “The apprenticeship meant studying at home and weekends and, after a full day at work it was very intense, but I didn’t mind.
“I loved learning and would go as far as to say that I miss having to study. Derby College was a great experience. My course involved high level maths which I found hard going but the staff who were teaching me were excellent.
We started from scratch and they got me through it. During the pandemic we had to learn online but that meant we got one-to-one tuition with our lecturers.”
Clive worked for several local authorities before joining Derby City Council at 40 and starting as a highways inspector.
He then moved into drainage and flood defence – a role he loved – and his civil engineering career started to take off.
Clive is pleased that he’s been able to gain qualifications, industry accreditation and a wealth of practical experience.
He added: “I’m so grateful to the college, and to Derby City Council for giving me the chance to become a civil engineer. Having my EPA accreditation with ICE means so much.”
I’m so grateful to the college, and to Derby City Council for giving me the chance to become a civil engineer.