Apprentice Engineer Review

I am on the Rail design team and work to produce drawings and calculations for bridges, stations and drainage systems. My role is typically office based however I also attend live rail sites to undertake condition surveys of structures and drainage surveys. I use a range of engineering software such as AutoCAD, Microdrainage and Civils 3D.

I have learnt so much during my time at Arcadis. I have significantly developed my communications skills and have presented in team meetings and attended client meetings. I have gained my Personal Track Safety certification and my CSCS card which show my health & safety awareness. I can design foundations and have learnt a lot about bridge design.

I enjoy the modules on my programme however the uni timetable is very intense. My team at work are very supportive and accommodate my development requirements. I get enough study leave to allow me to perform well in exams and the projects I work on tie in with what I am learning at university.

The programme could be more structured. The onboarding training is more general company training rather than an introduction to your apprenticeship. We have an informal apprentice network which helps to organise training and events among the apprentices. If I need any help I know who I can contact for this.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager is very positive and is always ready to help. My wider team are always keen to help with any uni work that I'm struggling with and take time to explain things. I don't get 'looked down' on for being an apprentice and I get lots of opportunities to grow

My training provider isn't great at taking on feedback from the apprentices. The staff are generally happy to help but there are some issues around timetabling and expectations of students. I think sometimes the lecturers forget we have a full-time job on the side and can't do everything a full time student can.

The course I am on is very practical and the learning is easily applied to the industry. We have a really good mix of classes and some colleagues have actually commented on how good the selection of learning is and that it is more useful than the courses they did. The course properly prepares you for the industry.

Yes, my team often have informal socials after work however there is also a Glasgow Social Committee and a Rail Scotland Social Committee. They organise a 'social calendar' which has things like fundraiser events, christmas party and days out. We attend the Big Rail Diversity challenge, ICE workshops and have recently had some diveristy & inclusion workshops.

Yes

I have some friends at uni who already want to work at Arcadis because I speak highly of it. The culture is really positive and you are given room to grow and think for yourself. You are recognised as an individual and receive good wage increases and bonuses. They are pushing for change in terms of sustainability and social impact.

Arcadis is a great place to develop your career and personal skills. You are well looked after and get a change to work on some very exciting projects. I think Arcadis are looking for people who are ready to challenge the 'norm' and can bring fresh ideas and new skills to the company.