Apprentice Review

As an apprentice at Arup my role involves many tasks. I have been working on projects from the day I started. My first project involved 3D modelling on a software I had to learn from scratch. I have such a supportive network of people around me which makes my work so much more enjoyable. I worked with a small team to complete the project and am now working on something totally different. There is so much diversity in the types of projects you get to work on. I have to work as a team and communicate with all kinds of people in my sector and beyond, not only formally or in meetings but chatting and going for coffee. I occasionally get to go on a site visit which really shows you the bigger picture and puts into perspective that the work you are doing is important and impacts a bigger plan. I am allowed time within work to complete NVQ and college work which really makes getting everything done a lot easier.

I am currently studying a level 3 BTEC in engineering which teaches me new knowledge and develops my existing maths and physics knowledge. At work I am constantly learning new skills through mentoring, CPD learning opportunities and formal courses. I have come into my apprenticeship with very basic computer skills and in only 6 months I can now confidently use revit, navisworks and many other software. I have learnt a lot just being in the office. I have learnt more about how engineering is applied and what processes engineers have to go through to achieve an outcome. I am always encouraged to keep learning and developing my skills and my colleagues are always keen to help me.

Strangely, I always enjoy coming into work as i usually have some interesting work to do and the environment is very positive. I have a very diverse and social team which makes working for Arup even better. Arup as a company encourage mental well-being and socializing with colleagues. As apprentices we often organise our own social events and because there are so many apprentices in Arup it is easy to find someone like-minded. I also enjoy college as i am in a group with other apprentices and we can work together through the assignments. I had no expectations of what it would be like to be an apprentice at Arup when i started. So I tried to go in with an open mind and thankfully, I now fully enjoy working as an apprentice for Arup.

My programme is organised well. Apprentices at Arup get there own week long induction which helps you understand your programme and the company you are going to work for. Training at Arup is aimed at all grades so building up your CPD is very easy. There is a set structure of direct support links. Every apprentice is given a mentor to help them day to day and a line manager however i did find some of the other apprentices were not very sure on who this was for them. I was personally made aware from an early stage that I have a lot of support around me and people to contact if I have any issues. My studying is organised clearly as I attend college every Monday and can do some work for college throughout the week if I have free time. I have meetings with my training provider every six weeks where I am given clear targets to complete for the next meeting. My day to day tasks may be given to me by whoever is leading/guiding me on a given project. It is also possible that you may have really quiet weeks with little work to do or you may have very busy weeks.

I am given a huge amount of support from Arup. My manager makes it very clear that I can always talk to him if I need. My manager always makes sure that everything is going well with college and my NVQ and is always willing to help or answer any questions I have. I also have a mentor who sits next to me has has helped me through the majority of work i have done to date. I can ask my mentor about anything and he is always keen to help me. We have quarterly meetings, just to assess my progress and ensure that i am happy with everything. The Arup HR team are also a point of contact for me. If i have any questions. I can speak to anyone in my team if I have any problems with work.

I see my training officer every 6-8 weeks for around an hour. He is always keen to help me with anything and makes sure I am aware that I can email him with any queries I may have. He sets me targets that I may find unclear at first but i can easily contact him or speak to another apprentice in my team who has done the same NVQ. I am never stuck on anything for very long as my training officer always replies quickly to my emails.

My NVQ and work within Arup go hand in hand as i need to complete my project work to be able to progress and pass my NVQ. To complete my NVQ I have to collect evidence of my work in the office and apply it to different units such as health and safety. My training provider prepares me for my end point assessment at the end of my apprenticeship.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. There are a lot of opportunities to network with colleagues day to day. There are events for the whole office like 'venue of the month' and annual social events like the Arup quiz and Christmas parties. There are also opportunities for social events within your team. There is a variety of sports groups to join such as running, climbing, football, and golf, among others. My only fault would be that there isn't enough apprentice-apprentice networking and socials but hopefully this will be set up soon. Something I have a particular interest in and where there are opportunities is community engagement and STEM outreach, encouraging young people to pursue a career in engineering or a science based industry. I hope to inspire young people to do apprenticeships rather than only considering university. As i know what hours, I work I can easily plan out my time outside of work. I have enough time to do things like go to the gym in the evening and go out with my friends and family.

Yes

I would recommend Arup to a friend because I have really enjoyed my time at Arup so far and very glad I chose to do an apprenticeship instead of university. Not only do I just work and make money, but I am growing as a person in Arup, meeting people I may know for the rest of my life and contributing to amazing projects. Even once my apprenticeship is finished I know I can continue working for Arup as I am on a permanent contract, however I can always move if I would like. Arup really cater to apprentices and want you to enjoy your time working for them.

My best advice regarding the application process would be to do some research on Arup projects and Arup as a company so you know why you want to work for them and what sort of thing they do. Make sure you include what you do outside of school or college and speak a bit about it. Things like sports, NCS, DofE and any form of extra-curricular you enjoy. On the assessment day you'll have group tasks, an interview and some time to ask questions yourself. Don't overthink what you are doing, just be yourself which is all that is needed. Ask plenty of questions and show how interested you are in working for Arup throughout the day. If you are accepted, and start as an apprentice at Arup take every opportunity handed and embrace your role. Stay open-minded. I would recommend getting to know as many people as possible especially your team and the other apprentices in your office, and any you may meet on your apprentice induction week. My main advice to a new starting apprentice at Arup would be to learn as much as you can, enjoy youself and make the most of it.