Trainee Structural Technician Review

Working as a Trainee Technician (I am Structural) is an excellent route into the industry because right away you are given first hand experience on some fantastic jobs and it is the best way to understand the design and construction process as a whole. It is my responsibility to produce drawings which reflect the ideas presented to me from Engineers, they essentially ensure it works, and it is my job to show this on the drawings. Each day we communicate regularly with Engineers to determine whether there are any changes which need to be made to drawings, anything we need to be made aware of/make a note of and when these drawings are going to be issued. Issuing drawings to the client is probably the biggest responsibility of a Technician because it is your work which is being sent to clients and architects, while also, you are representing Arup to others. Although your work requires to me checked and approved by senior members of the team, you still have a responsibility to ensure that your work is up to an excellent "Arup" standard.

Absolutely. I believe that as an individual I was already quite well organised and thorough with my work, however, this role has certainly ensured that I am thorough and always keep track of deadlines etc. You are required to regularly produce drawings on a number of different things (plans, elevations, detailed drawings and even general notes)all of which are very different but need to be uniformed in their presentation, thus, you need to be thorough in checking your work and making sure it is correct.

I love working for Arup and from the very first day I joined I was made to feel welcome and the transition period to settling in, was almost non-existent. The office is split into the different areas (Civil, Structural and M&E) to name a few but we are a close-knit group who all know each other and get on well. Not only that, but there are regular social events which are opportunities to build relationships with people who you would not usually work with in the office. I have exceeded my own expectations when I think of where I started and what I knew about Structural Engineering; although I have a long way to go and probably know very little compared to some, I have certainly learnt a lot in my 6 months of being here. Especially when I have come from a non-Engineering background.

I definitely feel valued by Arup, and from colleagues in my team. Whether it be positive feedback on work I have produced or simply a word on how much I have improved from the start. They all make you feel valued and nobody is excluded in the group. My involvement on a number of large projects also makes me feel valued as they trust me to provide work of an excellent standard.

The apprenticeship is well organised in the work place, there are people who have done what you are going through and they are always happy to share their experiences and any tips that they may have. Whether it be current Technicians or recent Engineers, many of them have chosen a similar route into the industry and have a lot of experience in this.

My line manager regularly supports me if there is something I'm not sure about and would like to find out more; equally, the Technician of last year who I set next to, helps me too and this is the person I learnt the most from.

My mentor and manager provide me with a lot of support and advice because they have been in my position as a new person in the industry with little experience. Overall, they couldn't do any more than they already do to help me.

When I decided that I was focused an apprenticeship in Engineering I knew I wanted to move away from home and see new places, experience new things at a young age and give myself priceless experience. Therefore, it was down to me to find my own place and very fortunately enough for me, I was put into contact with the other successful candidate in Arup who I got on with really well when we first met on the interview day. Since then, we now rent our own place and split the total costs between us. I know that compared to other apprenticeships Arup offer a very competitive salary (which increases every 6 months and is worth noting) which just about covers my costs each month. Had I lived at home and earned this amount of money it would be more than enough to live from and enjoy. In summary, the salary and its progression is fantastic, although the majority of my salary goes on my accommodation here.

There are a lot of opportunities outside of work, whether it be inter-company football tournaments each year (abroad), hiking in The Peak District or monthly social events with the office group. There are many, many opportunities outside of work.

Yes

They are a fantastic, supportive and exciting company to work for who are ever growing in numbers and continue to work on some of the biggest projects in the world.

My advice to anyone applying to Arup would be to read up on the opportunity that is available, decide which route you want to take and job you would like to do. The application process consists of assessment days and an interview, both of which you will need to prepare for if you are to stand out from the crowd!