CAD Technician Review

I am a apprentice CAD Technician and this involves me on a day-to-day basis creating reference files from engineers markups and discussions along with creating the drawings which will be issued showing the information. Internally I work closely within my site development team also also have good links with transport planning and the highways team which is useful when we work on cross discipline projects. I work on mainly larger projects with some smaller scale jobs occasionally, this gives a nice varied type of work.

I am currently about to finish my NVQ Level 3 and my BTEC Level 3 in Civil Engineering in the built environment, I'm on track for D* D* grading for the course. I started my job with only graphical software knowledge but now I am proficient within; Microstation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D and Micro drainage. I have also attended highway design training courses which helps massively when working on highway alignments etc. Personally I feel I have improved my communication skills massively as now I feel comfortable talking to colleagues of any grade and can do so in a professional and social manor.

Massively. My team is vibrant and everyone is very kind and welcoming, we work together but also enjoy social activities such as going out for drinks and lunch. The company's culture is very welcoming and this is reflected within its employees. It has exceeded my expectations.

I feel very valued. I am a integral part in alot of jobs in ensuring they are issued on time and to a high standard and the management reflect this in there attitude towards me. I have been working on large £100 million + projects which I feel is a praise to me.

Team hierarchy is clear with everyone knowing there place and role, without it being snobby and people thinking they are better than you. Everyone appreciates the role each other fills. Support with talks and studying is good, my team will lend a hand with anything.

College is ok, the people on my course are all very friendly and helpful and weve become mates over the 20months. However, the teaching within college is lacking in some cases with teachers rushing over difficult topics and providing little support.

Manager is very helpful and the general feeling I have is that everyone within Arup wants me to succeed and make the most of the position I am in. Help is only a question away.

My salary is competitive and I am happy with it. I have recently moved out of home and purchased a property so money is tight at the moment, more money would obviously be useful but I am managing fine.

The company offers many activities to get involved with if you want such as 5-a-side and other sporting events. ICE events are pushed to us to attend which is useful for my NVQ. I go running with people from work regularly.

Yes

Positive friendly environment, good pay, varied interesting work. Overall great place to work.

Be yourself in you're interview, Arup if full on individuals. I would have liked to have been told before my first day to just be calm, obviously you are a apprentice and cannot be expected to know everything and you will learn as you go!