Apprentice Review

I curently work with the Facades team at Arup. My role is to help Engineers and Architects to model, draw and design facades using a variety of modelling programmes and digital tools. On a day-to-day basis I help with preparing simple sketch books, produce engineering sketches and drawings, including 2D CAD drawings and take part in presentations and design workshops.

Since joining Arup, I have learnt a variety of new skills and have been able to develop my knowledge on a range of software. Some of these include AutoCAD, Inkscape and Rhino 3D. I have worked on projects where my newly learnt software skills came in handy, as I had to help produce 2D CAD drawings to update the details of existing plans, for example.

I have really enjoyed my experience at Arup so far. The members of my team are all very friendly, helpful and supportive and it is great to be trusted with tasks which will help towards major projects. I enjoy learning new things and have developed a range of skills since starting my Apprenticeship. Taking part in wider initiatives at Arup also allows me to connect with others, so that we can all work together in shaping a better world.

The programme is structured really well in terms of how we as Apprentices can progress our careers. A lot of assistance is provided along the way and balancing college work, with a day-to-day job is made easier due to the fact that you have mentors who will help you manage your time.

My employers are really supportive and they genuinely want to help me develop my career. I have been given assistance since the beginning of my Apprenticeship and I can always go to my mentors to ask for help when I need it. Arup values their employees and it is shown in many ways. Especially through the Appraisal process, which is aimed at helping you to improve your work as well as achieve your goals.

I am quite happy with the support I receive from my training provider as they have explained the programme to us through induction. I have been given assistance to work on my NVQ during my time at work. My training officer also gives me feedback on how I am doing.

Whilst working on my NVQ - I can understand my role better as all aspects of work have been broken down into sub categories and through answering questions and writing personal statements, I can gain a better understanding of what I need to work on. The qualification covers important things like health and safety at work, which is a key topic to develop your knowledge in.

Arup offers many extra-curricular activities which you can get involved in. As part of the Facades team, we have regular social events, workshops and events we can attend. As well as this, we try to encourage diversity in our team by holding regular multi-cultural food days.

Yes

I would recommend Arup to a friend as I personally, have had a great experience. Its a lovely atmosphere to work in, with really friendly people who are welcoming and truly supportive. Arup is diverse and inclusive of all people and I feel very comfortable as an employee at Arup, so I would recommend it as a good place to work.

The advice I would give to others is, to be honest and to be able to work as part of a team. It is important to listen to others and value their ideas as well as sharing your own. I would also suggest researching into the company to see whether you share any of their ideals, think about what you would like to achieve and how you can contribute to shaping a better world.