Apprentice Engineering Technician Review

My role involves creating and managing drawings and models. Editing content in drawings ans models. I also draft geotechnical summaries. I am also granted the flexibility to pick up work that is not typical of engineering apprentices, such as: coding, automation and site visits. Overall I have a good level of day to day responsibility.

I have learnt how to use lots of new software and engineering knowledge. And had chance to develop my soft skills. We also get the choice to steer our own development. If there is a course you want to go on, it is very easy to speak to managers and organise attendance.

The programme here at Arup is very extensive. There is a series of rotations all apprentices experience. This includes different disciplines and causes and exposure to a variety of work. Arup's company culture is very nurturing and allows you to develop at your own pace and take control of your career, even from a young age.

There is a number of different inductions on my programme. There is a UK wide apprentice induction, usually up in Manchester. This is good for networking with to others in your cohort. There is then an office induction from the apprentices in your office. This is beneficial as they should you the particulars of your office and the [people working there.

There are lots of ways Arup offer support. We have managers, professional mentors, pastoral mentors, well-being and health support. Apart from theses formal assigned ways of support, the general culture allows for anyone to be there to offer support in anything. Weather that be with college work, tasks you've been set or general career guidance.

Unfortunately the support from training providers is poor. There have been regular recurring issues with lack of tutors, delay in marking work and general poor service. Arup have raised these issues with the training provider and they temporarily get resolved but they always come back. Their communication is slow so is hard to get problems resolved.

There is limited provision of civil engineering level 3 courses in my area, so options were limited. My course was construction and the build environment. It was all interesting and engaging but little related to my day to day job. I also found I learnt things in work before learning it in college.

I have been involved in many extra-curricular activities since joining Arup. The first activity I was involved with was the charity committee, organising evens etc. I then got involved with the ladies football team where we trained every week and took part in an international Arup football tournament in Sheffield. There is also a strong social network in teams with regular social events.

Yes

Arup is a good company where you can take control of your career and progress at your own pace. There are lots of things outside of work that keep you happy in the office such as sports clubs. You get to experience a wide range of work and challenges day to day.

When completing your application focus on the experience you have not just the qualifications you hold. Arup is focused on the person not how they tick boxes but their personality. They also recognise enthusiasm, ambition and drive. Apply for a position even if you "don't meet the academic requirements" as they can offer support in studies if you have the right personality to fit into the team.