Civil Engineer Review

by Arcadis

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

CAD resource for multiple projects, producing reports and specifications. contact with all levels of staff internally and regular but infrequent contact with clients and contractors externally. Responsible for the production and delivery of scheme and pavement designs for a multi-award winning project

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

yes, I barely knew how to use CAD and now I am proficient in it as well as gaining EngTech with the ICE. Mandatory and optional training is provided by Arcadis that can range from an hour to a week. I have learned more on the job than at uni

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy completing the work at Arcadis, and the projects I have worked on have provided me with incredible insight into the engineering world. Everyone at Arcadis is great to work with, and the culture that is bred tops all the others I applied for. Exceeds all expectations.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

from the first day of interviews till today, I have been provided with a well-structured system of work and a clear pathway through my programme from my employer. regular catchups and support meetings are provided. The university has provided little to no support and is not prepared for apprentices/apprenticeships

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Arcadis support me constantly in my work and my professional development. i am always allowed time for study and CPD. My Line Manager and the subsequent chain of managers help me any time I need it and push me to progress. anyone at the company is willing to assist with issues

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Support is minimal at best, access to this support is even worse and it seems like the university doesn't even want to provide the support. I have had 2/3 lecturers out of 9/10 that actually seemed to care about our education and development. the rest steal a living.

2/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I feel that the university's teaching has not helped me in the slightest in my role. all of the information that is provided is archaic and out of touch with today's systems of work. the information is either so broad to encompass all disciplines that it provides no useful information, or it is so specific it helps with no disciplines

2/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

yes, there was an apprentice getaway the first week we started with Arcadis. further to that, social and networking events are held every month, and there are multiple sports teams to join if you would like. voluntary charity events are also frequent across the business.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Arcadis to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I have felt welcomed and comfortable working at Arcadis. My professional development has progressed, and I have developed personally as well, thanks to the opportunities Arcaids has provided me. on top of this, during my search for apprenticeships, Arcadis was the only company to speak about diversity and inclusion in the workplace

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arcadis?

Just be you, be confident and show up with a smile. everyone who works here is really nice, and whoever you have interviewing you after the two or three preliminary steps will make you feel like you're just having a conversation. no stress, no worry.