Rail Apprentice Review

I am one of the current Rail apprentices. I attend college once a week, with the rest of my time spent in the office. I am mostly involved with the production and development of engineering drawings, making sure they are to standards and that they are delivered on time. Have recently started doing some modelling and touching on 3D work (which I have a big interest in). There will be some times when you may have to do some work that might not seem that interesting, but it is in your interest and good for development. I have learned there are no stupid questions, always ask and people will help. The company is very welcoming. Most people will strike a conversation with you (or smile as you walk past, at the least). The office I work in is huge and multidisciplinary, which is useful as the work you do often requires you work with others. I have had the opportunity to work on a big, high-profile project, which feels quite rewarding thinking even the smallest amount of work I do, will go towards something big.

Before starting here I was doing a completely different course, therefore I have learned loads of new skills. I am working towards a Level 3 BTEC in engineering qualification, with an NVQ on the side. You get to learn to work with others, which might seem frightening, but everybody is welcoming. I have had to learn CAD since starting here, which is essential as we use it every day, depending on what department you are in will depend on the package you use. I work on Microstation in Rail. Through the support of my team, training courses and using it day to day with work I would say that I am quite good at it. Time management is a skill I have learned as I work to deadlines both at college and at work. Arup offer lots of courses, which may or may not apply to your discipline. Can apply to them through the internal system.

I am a part of a small team in a much bigger team (Rail department). My smaller team is great, they are helpful and friendly. Program is good, well strucutred with goals set and good development oportunites.

I feel that the longer I am working here the more responsibilities I am given, which is nice as it shows they are putting trust in you. Get good feedback from projects/work I have done which is always nice to here. Managers don't speak down to you, which was a fear for me before starting in a big company.

Well structured. Much support. I am doing an NVQ as well as college, which is run by an external company who regularly come in and check how our progress is for both college and work life. We are assigned mentors within our team, who more often than not were apprentices themselves at one point, so were in your shoes at one point. Lots of training and opportunities to develop.

I was paired with a 'buddy' when I started, who helped me with the basics and directed me around the office when I first started. You are given a mentor and training instructor who both help with college and NVQ work. You can get support from everyone around you, I am fortunate enough to have a really nice manager in my team, who is my software guru for when I am stuck.

I was paired with a 'buddy' when I started, who helped me with the basics and directed me around the office when I first started. You are given a mentor and training instructor who both help with college and NVQ work. You can get support from everyone around you, I am fortunate enough to have a really nice manager in my team, who is my software guru for when I am stuck.

I joined the Arup apprenticeship later than some of the others, I had a complete career change. I found that I had to take a pay cut working here, therefore I had to adapt my spending habits. If you are coming straight from college or fresh from school then the money is really good. The apprenticeship is a much better paid apprenticeship than others and the work perks/benefits are really good. You get regular pay rises as you go through your apprenticeship and work/learn at the same time. Arup offer transport (buses) which is useful if having to catch trains, fortunately I drive.

Arup offer a variet of social and charity events both in and out of work. There is a sports social club in our office, which I assume is the same for the other offices too. Meet people who enjoy same activities as you. Arup gets involved with pro-bono work too. My favourite time is when 'Samosa Express' comes to the office, where all money goes to a company chose charity.

Yes

Overall a great company to work for with with the opportunity to develop. Have met some great people through working with them and get paid to learn whilst you work.

Go to the open days. I applied for a different disapline, however when I spoke to the apprentices at the event, I changed my mind which disapline to apply for. Opportunity to ask all the questions you want to find out.