Structural Engineer Review

For the first 6 years I was a technician which means that I was producing Revit BIM models and construction drawings. This included coordinating with Architects and other engineering disciplines as well as receiving mark ups from engineers on what we need to model/draw. I mainly used Revit to produce both the models and drawings and worked on a number of different products ranging from hospitals to commercial buildings. Now as an engineer I help in the actual design of buildings by solving problems and carrying out calculations. Some of these are calculations by hand and others are using a range of different softwares.

I have learnt a range of different software's from structural engineering design tools so drawing and modelling software's. My knowledge of engineering and the built environment increases every year and will continue to increase throughout my career. I have also learnt to work in a design team which is an invaluable skill but also to research and learn things by myself. I have had to present to large groups of people as well which is another useful skill.

I enjoy the job itself but sometimes it is stressful trying to fit in work, university and social life. This is not a fault of the programme but apprenticeships as a whole. However I do prefer it this way that studying full time. I studied at UCL for a year studying Architecture and I find it hard to focus with all the spare time on my hand.

the programme has progressed since I first started. When I first joined it was new and there were some teething problems but they all seem to have gone now. We are well looked after at university and work and we now have a laid out career path in front of us so there is no confusion about what I need to achieve to get where I want.

Work provide us with help with uni work as well as help at work. It took a few years to move from technician to engineering which should have been done earlier but they have realised that now and they younger generation have a better opportunity to do this which is good as our company has learned from previous mistakes.

We have as much support as we need at Uni. The lecturers are always free to talk to via email or at the Uni itself. It is a stark difference from college where we were on our own a lot of the time. Kingston university have looked after us as well and given me the support I need.

Most of the stuff I do at work I learnt at work before I did it at university. This helped me a lot with uni work but maybe if they were more in line it would be less work for the people around me at work to teach me all the stuff I need.

Work is fun. I am involved in the football team and the group I work in is always arranging social events. I have made some of my best friends at Arup and even if I leave these will be friends for the rest of my life. Everyone I work with is friendly and Arup provide a great working environment

Yes

The projects that Arup work on and landmarks and cutting edge engineering projects so the experience you get it fantastic. The social side of work makes it a relaxing place to work and they also want you to learn and progress so you get the support that you need to move forward.

Research some of the projects that Arup have been involved in as a lot of people want to work for this company so if you have background knowledge of the company it will help massively. Also focus hard on your grades as they tend to employ people with top grades.