Rail Engineer Review

My role is a permanent way engineer, working on both international and national railway projects. Day-to-day I work in a collaborative environment, ensuring a high quality of design to hand over to the client for checking. Each day varies from the use of CAD, completion of calculations and regular input into meetings.

I have been able to gain the skills required to work as an engineer; some of which include; Communication Problem-solving Integration Collaborative working Prior to joining Arup these are traits I would not have associated with myself, but now I am able to use these skills on a very regular basis.

I thoroughly enjoy the apprenticeship programme. I am able to work as part of an engineering team. Arup are able to attract the very best in the engineering business from all around the globe, whose knowledge is priceless and can ensure I continue to progress as an apprentice in industry.

Initially the programme was the first of it's kind, therefore it was a slow start getting inductions / training. However the support was present from day one by both the University (Liverpool John Moores) and Arup in the workplace. My workload has gradually become more technical and complex over the time being employed, with regular support by my seniors / mentors.

HR at Arup act as a separate enterprise, where all remains confidential and private, to which I have not had much interaction with fortunately. I work alongside my mentor each day, and support is available at anytime during the working day / even with matters outside of work. Additionally to this I meet with my mentor each month to discuss workload and progress from the previous month.

The university do not provide a great deal of help towards the attainment of qualifications, as their main priority will always be the full-time students. Although this may begin to change in the future, as of now the support remains genuinely below par. As a result most support does then come solely from the workplace.

The university do not provide a great deal of help towards the attainment of qualifications, as their main priority will always be the full-time students. Although this may begin to change in the future, as of now the support remains genuinely below par. As a result most support does then come solely from the workplace.

I have been lucky enough to travel to Cork and Amsterdam with Arup, participating in the 'Arup World Cup'. The world cup allows all global offices the chance to play 5-a-side in a competitive tournament, as well as the chance to socialise with people well outside of their regions.

Yes

Arup is very unique in the way it operates. From the leadership, down to apprentices, the feeling of unity and 'One Arup' can always be felt. As a result, no matter which Arup office you get the opportunity travel to, you can settle down and operate the same way as previously.

Be yourself, Arup is all about their staff and personality outweighs technical ability. Technical ability can be enhanced over time, whereas becoming an Arup employee and abiding to their ethos and goals is vital to succeed. If I was applying for Arup now I would have liked to have been given more information relating to the smaller projects they work upon, rather than the huge infrastructure.