Assistant Technician Review

Day to day I will be using CAD to produce both Models and Drawings which is then issued as a deliverable to the client for a project. On one week I may be working on a specific package for a project and other weeks I may include several tasks from a few projects.

Yes! Everyday you learn something new, whether it be a easier command in CAD or a new subject entirely at college. I feel personally that I learn best from the on the job training and college learning. I also feel I have developed more in my CAD skills, through working with it daily, from the skills I learned at school during my National 6 qualification.

I do enjoy my apprenticeship, I prefer getting to work 4 days a week in the office and 1 day release to college. I feel as though I learn more this way and retain the skills I learn because I use them daily. It also means I get to work in a real job and that has the added bonus to earn whilst you learn.

Very well organised, I have monthly meetings with CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) who keep track of my progress at college and work. They can allow me to express any concerns I have regarding issues in the office or pay etc. and make sure that I don't fall behind in my apprenticeship.

I receive all the support I need. My manager, mentor, CITB etc all support me through my apprenticeship where needed. I do feel I can ask any of my colleagues including my manager and mentor for any assistance in a problem I have with my work. If I have any queries about my college work that I am unsure of, there are qualified engineers in the specific area that I can speak to who are more than happy to help me.

I am happy with the support given to me at college, I can ask questions if I am unsure of anything. We are regularly assessed to keep track of our progress and see if we need help with a specific topic or unit. CITB also follow progress at college so I can also ask them questions too.

The majority of the topics I have learned at college can then be implemented into my daily work. I feel as though I might have benefited more if I had the CAD class in my first year at college instead of my second, this meant I already knew the majority of the CAD unit because I was already used to it at work.

Yes, there are many social events that you can choose to attend. I have attended a few such as 5 aside football, crazy golf, escape rooms and similar activities. Arup also had a apprentice week where all the apprentices in Arup UK went to Manchester for team building exercises and similar activities to get to know the other apprentices who are in similar courses to myself.

Yes

I have enjoyed my time with Arup over the past two years, it is a very professional company and they treat staff very well. It is a great company to work for and if the job opportunity arises, I would certainly recommend to anyone keen in the type of job to apply.

When I applied, there was no assessments required. For qualifications, you would need higher subjects or above, both Maths and English would be essential. You would need a keen interest in civil engineering and in CAD based subjects. My interview was very well planned by the assessors and I felt less nervous because the staff were really friendly to me on the day.