Civil Engineering Technician Review

On a day to day basis my role usually entails CAD tasks, drawing up from engineers sketches and mark ups, some document control and as the apprenticeship progress more and more technical design aspects preparing me for a career as an engineer

I have learnt a lot of new skills, coming from an education background which was more creative rather than engineering based I have developed CAD skills from having no previous experience. I have also developed my maths and general engineering knowledge

I really enjoy my programme, my company takes care to ensure I am getting all the guidance I need and this contributes greatly to my enjoyment as I feel like my opinions are listened to

Overall my programme is well organised and well structured although I believe the introduction of Stegta as a point of communication between the company and the college makes the apprenticeship a little more disjointed. I also feel that, being in the second year of the City and Guilds level 3 that there should be separate pathways for civil and structural engineers as there is a lot of structures content on my course which is not as relevant to my work as I'd like it to be.

The support from my employer is brilliant, everyone I work with in the office makes an effort to make sure I get the opportunities I need to develop certain skills and compliment what I learn at college and in my NVQ.

My training provider provides good support when working towards my NVQ qualification when they actually turn up. Visits from the Stegta NVQ assessor are few and far between, they have even booked in to see me in the office on my day release day when they know I am attending college. I'm unsure as to whether this is a problem throughout Stegta or whether it is just that I have been unlucky with the two NVQ assessors I have been allocated so far. The management at Stegta seems to be a lot more responsive.

It is hard to judge this aspect of my apprenticeship given the infrequency of the training provider visits, although I can see how the NVQ helps me to perform better in my role by teaching me the right way to record things and making me more aware of what I am learning from the tasks I'm undertaking.

There are lots of extra curricular activities to get involved with at Arup, with a few 'sports and social' events taking place per month, these are varied and there are opportunities for everyone to get involved in something they would enjoy. There are also always invites going out for professional networking events around the country. From an apprentice perspective there is also an apprentice event that takes place in early September where the new apprentice intake for the year can network.

Yes

Arup is a very supportive and nurturing environment and you will be sure to get all the guidance you need throughout the duration of your apprenticeship and throughout your career. Everyone here is friendly, professional and have a depth of knowledge that they are always happy to share. Beyond that there is a thriving social scene and a huge amount of employee benefits.

My advice would be to just go for it! Make sure to be honest in your application but don't hold back on writing about your proudest achievements. Don't be shy when it comes to asking questions in your interview, I have always been told here at Arup that there is no such thing as a stupid question. You will learn more from being inquisitive and this will pay off in interviewing and throughout your career.