Environmental Apprentice Review

My job title is Environmental Apprentice/ Environmental Assistant. I'm involved with a lot of project & programme management tasks on a major infrastructure project. I often tend external and internal meetings and have a significant amount of responsibility. On a daily basis I liaise with others, carry out actions relating to project and programme management, manage deliverables and carry out reviews.

I have acquired a Level 3 qualification in Environmental Management, I'm currently completing a Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship and as well as this I have attended a number of external courses such as an introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and a course on Environmental Management in Construction. I have developed a huge range of knowledge and skills in environmental and project management areas. I have a good understanding of the work each department carries out, how to carry out a lot of the work (theoretically) and I have began to specialise in key areas such as Environmental Impact Assessment programmes, project management and sustainable construction.

I cannot fault it, the work is interesting, I work with great people, I can see my career developing and I have the freedom to push my work and career in the direction I want to, without being pressured into doing things I'm not interested in. The work culture is fantastic and I have no reason to leave anytime soon. I also have a huge amount of support which is great too.

Hugely, I'm always receiving positive feedback from my line manager and mentor as well as people I'm working with. The directors have also noticed my hard work and praised me for it. I have established myself as an important part of a big project and the department and I feel highly valued.

It's excellently structured, I attended college on a block release basis and I have enough time at work to complete college work when needed. Along with all the support I'm getting, I cannot fault the programme Arup are providing me with at all.

A large amount of support, they're responsive and always there if I need anything. They teach well and I feel as if I can go to them for help at anytime.

A huge amount, I couldn't ask for anymore support. I have regular meetings with my line manager and mentor and I can always count on them for help which is really useful and reassuring.

It is starting to meet my needs/ costs more now that I have progressed at Arup but the pay has always been generous in terms of what level I joined hte company at.

Loads of clubs exist at Arup in many shapes and sizes which include everyone no matter what background. They're often part funded by Arup and there is something for everyone whether you like sport, reading, playing games etc.

Yes

It is a one of a kind company that value it's employees and allow them to work in a way which best suits them and what they're interested in. They support you hugely, provide good flexible benefits and give employees a profit share twice a year which is great.

Prepare well for the interview, look into the company and make sure you have some good information ready to talk about. Be aware of Ove Arup's key speech as this is provides the fundamental values of the business. Ask lots of questions as Arup do so much that it's impossible to know what goes on. Be confident and just do your best.