Highway Engineer Review

Recently i have spent a lot of my time creating plan and profile drawings and creating PDFs for others in my team to display to clients and external companies. I often attend meetings to catch up with the team and review our work. And about once i week i participate in training or shadow someones team.

I had no previous knowledge of what i would learn in my job before i started. I have learnt how to correctly use excel, i have good knowledge of how to use micro station and the tools within, and i can independently set up drawings. Recently i have also been doing sustainable development training.

My company is amazing to work for, the teams are very helpful and professional and although the unusual circumstance starting work from home i have been welcomed well, and i feel i know the team sufficiently. It is disappointing that i missed out on many parts of the working experience i would've has pre-covid but there is not much anyone could do to change it.

The welcome experience was good, i learnt what i needed to know but i didn't feel that it was very tailored to my needs at the time, it felt rushed and overwhelming and i was hoping for a more gentle introduction. In terms of training i am grateful that others in my team have now provided training experiences for me, however when i first started i didn't have enough knowledge to do any tasks and i didn't have any guidance on what training to do, which initially made things difficult. Others in my team very quickly took the role to support me however my designated buddy was in a different team and he hadn't been given much guidance as to how to help and support me. I get sufficient support from my mentor and line manager and i know i can go to them if i feel i need support. My experience naturally would've been better in person as it was difficult to interact online.

I have weekly catch ups with my mentor and my line manager, however if i feel i need to chat with them, they are willing to make themselves available to support me. Everyone i have met always is willing to answer questions and i know if i need any questions answered independently i can look on the intranet.

I have meetings with my STEGTA training officer every month or so, she involves my mentor/line manager so that we can attempt to work together on my progress. I am give much independent work, but i know that if i dont understand she is happy to answer questions over emails.

As i am a new starter i do not feel i have integrated many of the skills i have learnt from STEGTA into my day to day work yet, but this is because i have not done many lessons yet. I know once i begin to learn more i will be able to take that knowledge and use it within Arup.

Of course with covid in person events like sports activities have been put on a hold, however i am invited to weekly lunch time events including pictionary and countdown, this is a good way to meet others and have a little break. Its not the same but my team are making an effort.

Yes

Because Arup treats their employees really well and i feel there is a fair support system. We also get profit share twice a year which encourages us to work harder to earn more money. The office is lovely and i feel welcomed and not at all judged, everyone is respectful and helpful.

I joined Arup with no specific prior knowledge surrounding highway engineering. Of course having an interest for math, design and working digitally (etc) is important but Arup wants people who are willing to work hard, and be a great addition to the team. Work on your communication skills and do some research into the company and some of the projects we have worked on. If you have other interests aside the role you apply for, just know that within Arup there are so many opportunities to partake in different activities or do independent training on different subjects which will strengthen both your knowledge but also your team in general.