Document Controller Review

I am a document controller within Arup. My daily tasks include managing incoming and outgoing documentation and ensure they are recorded on registers. I also open project job folders and have regular contact with project managers and engineers. I am also in contact externally with clients who work on some of our projects. My main responsibility is making sure that every drawing/document is high quality and meeting the standards that have been set.

I have developed a lot of new and existing skills through work and my training centre. As I am working towards a level two Business Admin qualification, I have learnt more about the organisation and what I need to do to achieve my goals. I have attended many internal training courses and I gain training every day from my team which has helped me develop greatly. I have also attended client training in Aberdeen which taught me new skills and improved my communication skills. I have understood more about myself and what I am capable of and pushed myself to set new goals.

I enjoy being an apprentice as I can work whilst I learn. This is a benefit as I am developing my skills everyday whilst completing daily duties. The team that I also work with are incredibly supportive and help me with any struggles I may have. I did not have many expectations when I started my apprenticeship but I did not think I would have developed and achieved what I have so far. I do enjoy my programme as I have met a lot of people and have developed many new skills.

I feel very valued by Arup. The appreciation that I get on a daily basis from my manager and team is a great motivator. I have also been recognised as a valuable member of the document control team through my eye to detail. I have also had more developed within the different project especially with new project and have also been giving the opportunity to run some of the projects myself.

My programme was very structured. My induction training took place a few weeks after I started which was a three day event in Manchester. I met a lot of other apprenticeships whilst I attended so it was great to understand their programme and job role. The support that I get is also fantastic as my team and manager are always there if I need help. I also have support meetings such as formal reviews every three months which assess my developed and set any targets for improvement. The team hierarchy is also well structured as we have a manager who looks after us. The programme was also well organised as I attend training sessions every 2 weeks.

I receive a lot of support from my training advisor as she is always available to talk through the phone or through email. If I have any concerns she is well detailed in explaining how to overcome them and to make sure that I am fully confident in what I do. She is also a positive person and very friendly which is also a benefit.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager is committed to my apprenticeship and always attends the meetings with my training advisor. The HR team also offer a large amount of support, for example an induction when I started and also letting me know about opportunities such as the induction programme. I have a lot of guidance with the problems that I may have and the attitude is always positive and informative.

The salary that I receive meets my costs as it is higher than the minimum wage for an apprentice. I am able to afford my travel costs with my own car and also have wage left over for social costs so I am never restricted. The location of the office is also only 10 minutes away from my home so it is really easy to get in.

There are company events throughout the year and also activities that all Arup employees are invited too. There is also many chances to volunteer in events such as Pub quiz and dog walking. I am also a member of PureGym so when I am not working I attend classes there.

Yes

Arup is a fantastic organisation to work for as it has a number of benefits such as flexible benefits with healthcare. It also has a number of different opportunities for training and development. The people within Arup are also very friendly and supportive.

I would advice them to focus their application on smaller more focused goals for their future. For example, if they are being interviewed and asked where they see themselves in 10 years, I would advise them to say smaller job roles rather than a manager. I would also tell them to research fully into the company so they are confident when they attend their interview.