Assistant Technician Review

I am currently working on a project that is at the construction phase, so I am based at a site office. I am currently providing setting out information for the contractor whilst solving and responding to any technical queries that are raised during construction. As well as this I am producing drawings to match the models that are being shared with the contractor and the client.

I have been able to develop time management as ensuring that files are sent out to the contractor on time is critical during construction. I also have improved my communication skills as dealing with people who can be quite stressed due to time constraints due to the program. Being on-site has allowed me to understand the level of detail that is needed from a model to be able to set out the construction works. It has also put into perspective the amount of work needed to construct something that only took an hour to design.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am on, Arup and Coventry University provide more than enough support with the work, by providing extra maths tuition as well as internal groups. Arup has a relaxed atmosphere within the office making it easy to work in, even when time constraints are tight people are willing to help to ensure that deliverables are met.

At the start I had a few problems with Coventry University as I was enrolled on the wrong course and had to email back on forth to get this changed. Arup were very helpful in this process. Coventry provides dates and future timetables to allow for us to plan annual leave as well as giving estimated dates of when the exam should be.

Arup provides a lot of support and there is someone there always to help. My mentor is always available to talk to and has been assigned to me since the day I started Arup. They are always able to help fix any personal problems I have by listening and actioning a plan immediately. HR are always contactable and respond within a day to help sort any problems I have.

Coventry University provide suitable support, they offer drop-in sessions so we can ask questions on lecturers from the previous weeks. The tutors are also quick to reply to any emails. They visit Arup twice a year to discuss grades and attendance. They are happy to provide additional support and this is evident from the extra math support they offer. I enjoy going to coventry university.

The qualification provides a fundamental understanding of information that I have used at work. As I am based in the highways sector learning about pavement materials/ stopping sight distances has been important as these are things I work on daily. Therefore getting the initial understanding from Coventry University has been great

There is a lot of extra-curricular activities offered by Arup such as sports teams, quiz teams. As well as this there is always social events such as end of the month coffee drinks. Arup also offer events to help the local area such as working on playgrounds for local schools. They also offer a lot of 'Lunch and Learn' activities at lunchtimes.

Yes

Arup is a great place to work due to it's welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. They are open with their policies and very flexible to work with allowing for staff to have the freedom to do things that are important to them. They offer endless possibilities such as working abroad or from different offices. The quality that Arup strive for is something that is reflected in each employee.

The advice I would give is to be open and willing to do as much as possible because the possibilities within Arup are endless. Make sure that the information that is provided during the application process is honest and truthful because it will be asked about during the interview but also be prepared for some more random questions as these can pop up too. On the assessment, day ensure that you stand out by being vocal and communicaation with others well. Try and get some experience within the industry.