Apprentice Technician Review

My day to day commitments include various tasks ranging from 3D Modelling of VRS, drainage, Geo-tech solutions to Drawing Creation. I am currently working on SMP J13 -16 and have been since I have started working with Arup. I have been able to see the project from DF3 to IFC which has helped for me to develop my knowledge in highway design. I have also been offered the opportunity to go on site in September as the Highways Technician where I will in charge of highway 3D models. I have the opportunity once a week to visit our project partners’ office which allows for me to meet the rest of the highways team. I am currently a ‘buddy’ to apprentices that started recently where I am able to help them with any questions they may have before starting as well as with any problems they may encounter whilst at work.

Due to Arup online University there is plenty of offers available for me to obtain new skills as well develop skills I already have. I have completed my NVQ and I am not developing my understanding of highways design so that I am ready to sit my EngTech next year. I am also close to finishing my BTEC Level 3 and will be starting HNC in September which I am hoping will lead to my degree.

I really enjoy working at Arup it is better than I expected, I think that the work ethic is great as it is relaxed but the production rate due to this is excellent. I work in a small team that consists of 4 people in the office but due to social events and how friendly everyone is I am able to have a good relationship with everyone in the highways team.

Even though I am only an apprentice I do feel valued at Arup, this is down to people acknowledging the work that I have done. In the highways team we have also introduced a weekly ‘good news’ email which is sent out by the highways director and it contains news about what is going on in the team as well individual rewards for when people have done well. Seeing your name mentioned in this is great and really pushes you to work after to maintain that level of quality.

The programme is run well, I have been provided a mentor in which I have monthly catch ups where we discuss my current work as well as college and if I am on top of my work load. The programme is also set out well so I know what and where I’ll be in the next 2 years leading to no confusion. We have also been added to Internal Apprentice Yammer Groups in which we are constantly updated on how the apprenticeship scheme is changing.

Solihull College has been ok, I have found that they can be slow at marking submissions as well as having a lot of staff changes making it difficult to understand assignments due to them conflicting information. We have raised this with Arup and they have organised meetings with the head of the college and things seem to be better.

I receive a lot of support from Arup, I was provided a mentor, buddy as well as line manager. They are all very eager to know how I am getting on at college and if they are any problems that I may have. The Yammer group is a big help as it allows for us all to communicate and discuss any problems that we may have.

I think our salary is very good and then with the additional profit share it is really competitive. The location is a bit out of the way but now the recent office move has been mentioned I am excited to see what the future holds. I do not think we should consider travel costs because I am the one who decided to commute this far and it should not be on Arup to rectify it.

There is a lot of opportunities outside of Arup and these can all be seen on Yammer with the large amount of social and sporting events there are. I think there are sport events for every day of the week and then on top of that the amount of social events is impressive. The highways team have their own social events every few months and then we have whole office end of the month drinks and games.

Yes

Arup is a great company to work for the opportunities they offer is almost endless. With their work ethic and belief I think that they are one of the best companies to work for in the UK and this is proven by the amount of staff that have been working here for 10+ years.

Research Arup, create a portfolio of your research, read the key speech, highlight important points. Even if you do not show the portfolio, place it on the table in your interview, it shows that you care and are willing to work. The interviews are the most challenging part but by having research you are prepared.