Assistant Technician Review

My role involves a variety of tasks and responsibilities that contribute to the success of my team and projects. I regularly receive briefings and communicate with my senior engineer to ensure I am aligned with my project’s goals and expectations. My work includes creating and modifying CAD drawings and models, both in 2D and 3D, which are essential for project coordination amongst different disciplines. Additionally, I play a key role in setting up the Building Information Modelling (BIM) aspects of projects, ensuring that all relevant data and models are integrated effectively. I also collaborate with other apprentices and colleagues, providing support and assistance with CAD tasks to foster a productive and cohesive team environment.

During my apprenticeship at Arup, I have gained a variety of valuable skills. My CAD skills have significantly improved, allowing me to tackle more complex and interesting modelling tasks. This has been a major area of growth for me, and I now feel confident in creating detailed 2D and 3D models. Another important skill I've developed is the ability to talk and present to larger groups of people. Before my apprenticeship, I had limited experience in this area, but now I feel more comfortable and effective when speaking in front of an audience. Project management and organizational skills have also been crucial areas of development. I've learned to manage my time effectively and keep projects on track, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. Networking has been another key skill I've honed. Through events like the Arup NWY apprentice network meets and the externally organized Association of Apprenticeships meeting, I've been able to make strong connections with my peers, which has been incredibly beneficial for both my personal and professional growth.

Overall, I do enjoy my apprenticeship program. It's been a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills and gain valuable experience. However, working on the Level 4 BIM course online means I miss out on some of the human interactions and benefits of learning face-to-face. The course has a rolling intake, so I don't have a cohort like most of my other apprentice colleagues who go to university on block or day release. This can sometimes make the learning experience feel a bit isolating.

My apprenticeship program is quite well-organized. The assignments and modules are clear and easy to navigate, which makes it straightforward to keep track of my progress and what needs to be done. However, I would appreciate having more research or learning activities included in the program. Currently, I find that I'm mostly just writing assignments, and incorporating more diverse learning opportunities could enhance the overall experience.

The support I receive from my employer has been good. Everyone on my team has been great at answering my questions and helping me whenever I need it. Whether it's related to my day-to-day work, questions from university, or technical questions on a project, my team has been very supportive. They have been instrumental in developing my learning and knowledge.

My training provider has been useful and does answer my questions whenever I reach out. However, I haven't really tapped into the resource as much as I could. I tend to work pretty well independently, but I know that my training provider is there to support me and would help me whenever I need it.

The knowledge from my course has been useful and makes me consider how BIM applies to my day-to-day work. However, I don't think it plays a significant part in helping me perform better in my role. I feel like most of my growth in my role has come from my experience on different projects and the hands-on experience I've gained. Additionally, drawing knowledge from the engineers and technicians on my team has been incredibly valuable in developing my skills and performance.

There are a variety of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my work. We have a mixture of clubs including the Arup Harriers running club, climbing, and games club amongst others. Additionally, there are many activities within the area that include surrounding offices, such as pilates and crafts club in Wellington Place, which are great ways to connect with other people that have similar interests who you might not meet otherwise. I've also participated in sponsored networking events near the office such as a spin class at Ryde that was with the RTPI, and other events that are hosted by the ICE, these events are useful at connecting with others in the industry.

Yes

Arup offers a comprehensive and supportive environment that fosters both personal and professional development, making it an excellent choice for an apprenticeship.

When applying to Arup, I found that being a confident communicator helped me stand out. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a good way to structure your answers making them clear and impactful. It's also important to have a good understanding of Arup, its values, and even some knowledge about competitors. Aligning your personal values with those of Arup can really help you connect with the company's mission and culture. Working well in a team is crucial, and showing that you're keen to learn and grow can make a big difference.