Business Admin Apprentice Review

No two days are the same for me. I could be undertaking HR administration, compiling Global Engagement Surveys. I largely support the delivery of Global People Programmes and Projects. By working on all of these projects, it could mean one week will be full of meetings and intense conversations, another could be workshops and then following could be a lot of independent work or collaboration with others to piece it all together. This allows me a wide range of exposure to work and different ways of working within the business.

Throughout my time at Arup I have developed not only professionally but also personally. It has given me the confidence to take on any project that is passed my way or opportunity that is given to me. it has allowed me to study in a practical way while putting my knowledge to use in real-life situations. Alongside the traditional learning methods, I have been able to learn from colleagues in the workplace and broaden my expertise in other areas of interest.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my programme with Arup, I have been given opportunities to network and join projects in and out of my team, I have met new people and still am meeting new people as well as being able to learn on day release and attend courses within the organisation if they suit my role. The opportunity to develop without attending University is something will always be grateful for and proud that I decide to follow a different route than what was expected of me.

The structure and organisation of me programme has run very smoothly, when I first joined I attend an apprentice induction residential, which allowed me to meet other apprentices across the firm. I have always been given training opportunities where I need it as well as support from my manager and the team around me. I have regular meetings with my mentor. I can have a view on the work I am doing and take some ownership with work I would like to get involved with in my team. It would be good to see a stronger Apprentice Structure within Arup, to develop to support those who are not in big teams with a number of apprentices.

I am within a very supportive team with an extremely supportive manager. They are always willing to help me complete my coursework as well giving me different roles and responsibilities within the team, so I can experience a number of different aspects. My mentor meets with me once and month and is always checking in and offering help where she can if I need it. As well as this there is a well-established learning and intranet site which I am able to use if I need something else.

My training provider is supportive to guide me to complete my qualification. They are always responsive to emails as well as coming into my office on a monthly basis to meet with me and check in with what I have completed and what I need to do next. I am also able to access an online platform which holds information that I may need.

The qualification has allowed me to learn parts of my role via the text book method and how it is expected to be performed or completed whilst working on the job has given me the opportunity to put what I have learnt into a real life situation which doesn't always happen in the most ideal way.

Yes, there is so much to get involved with at Arup. There are a whole bunch of different societies which are available as well as a lot of sporting activities. As well as this there is always a massive range of networking events such as lunch time talks and evening events which allow you to learn and met new people.

Yes

Arup is full of amazing and enthusiastic people all with a similar approach. The opportunities are endless and there are always amazing and interesting projects to work on wherever you are based in the company. The eagerness to always learn and develop is key to everyone here so it makes completing an apprenticeship enjoyable as there are always others learning in different ways too.

Just be yourself, Arup love to employee people who act themselves wherever they are and those with a key interest in the same values that those within the firm hold. Arup is a really competitive and exciting firm to work for. Don't give up if you don't succeed first time - something right for you will come up when the time is right.