Apprentice Technician Review

My day-to-day tasks include updating CAD drawings based of engineer markups, sometimes creating 3D objects to be within a BIM Model, partaking in design meetings and attending college and courses to improve my knowledge of engineering. I also have opportunities to do site visits which help me understand how my drawings correlate to the real construction.

I have developed my CAD skills alot, i a had very basic understanding of how to create stuff in CAD software such at AutoCAD/Revit and during my year here at arup i know feel i am a skilled drafter and can even help some of the engineers in understanding CAD.

The workload can be quite slow sometimes and i can sometimes be given repetitive jobs. i do really enjoy getting interesting work such as creating a 3D model or rendering models to present. Repetitive tasks are expected at this level and although in can make u feel like your not learning its vital to help the team get projects out the door.

I understand at a basic level of what i need to do in order to complete my apprenticeship. I feel im quite independant so i tend to find this information on my own but its accessible from just asking. However there inst much of a community that is there to push you to understand your role in the company.

Engineers do take abit off their time to help me understand what im looking at in a drawing which im grateful for. HR is always accessible by Skype if you have any questions. When i started i had alot of help with meetings ect but as i have been here longer i dot get that as much.

Arup has Stegta as their training provided and they will assign a mentor to come and see you every now and then throughout the year to pick up your NVQ personal statements and give you feedback. I have only seen mine once in 7 months as he likes to do it on the phone which i find inst that helpful.

It helps me understand my boundaries and what i have actually learnt from my time here. I know from the fact i haven't completed an NVQ unit that i'm not very strong in that subject, and same for if i have completed a unit; i know that i can do this and will be more confident.

There is a football team here however its on Mondays and im at college Mondays so i don't tend to go. Arup does do a few trips such as skiing or surfing trips which is mostly funded by them. There are welcome events when you join to meet the new apprentices and build your teamwork skills.

Yes

If you love engineering it would be a great place to build your skills and knowledge as there are some very skilled engineers that work here. Its one of the leading engineering companies and its obvious that a lot of your colleagues know their stuff which is helpful. There's also opportunities to travel and experience new things.

My tips would be -Ensure you get involved with the community straight away and get networking as this will mean when people need someone on their job, they know you are looking for the experience -Be positive -If you have an interview coming up just be confident and speak up during the team task and you should be fine.