Geotechnical Engineer Review

Depending on the different sub-teams I work with and the type of project, my role varies from undertaking geotechnical desk studies to ground investigation supervision and designing different types of geotechnical structures. In the latter case I am heavily involved in the use of numerical analyses, geotechnical software, data management and development of automate workflows to improve design efficiencies.

In the last year of the apprenticeship I have greatly improved my existing skills and upskilled myself with learning a number of new skills in data management, programming, developing automate workflows and creating engaging and dynamic visualisations, for example by using Power BI supported by Power Query and other techniques for data preparation.

I definitely enjoyed the programme as I found it extremely important to feel that I am not just doing a job, or working for a company, but also working for my own personal development by investing time and effort. Learning new skills, gaining experience, achieving a qualification are personal achievements as much as benefits for the company.

The programme was very well organised. A detailed timeline was provided at the very start of the programme, with breaking down each module, the content of each module and the expected time for reviewing. Learning sessions were well-organised and supported by both pre-work material and extra material during the actual sessions.

The employer provided me with adequate support and budget to allow me to book time on training when learning sessions were required. I have also received adequate flexibility to arrange my working schedule when required. A small community channel of other apprentices in the programme set up by the employer also proved extremely useful to get support when needed.

The training provider offered adequate support. A coach was also available to break-down complex topics, or clarify issues and doubts outside of the main sessions. The feedback received on the portfolio and the work-based project was extremely useful and always constructive. This helped me to be well prepared when sitting the final review.

The qualification, supported by my training provider, definitely helped me to perform better in my role. The knowledge acquired and the skills developed enabled me to make use of new, more advanced, software, improve current design practice, and develop alternative methods to carry out analyses or to process and visualise software output.

There are a number of social activities which are organised across the different teams or, in same cases, professional networking events. Lunch talks to share knowledge, networking events to get to know more people and build a wide professional network or simply to decompress from the working routine.

Yes

It is a place of opportunities to grow professionally and as a person. There is flexibility to move across different teams and projects which allows us to experience different aspects of the job and possibly to identify the ones which best suit our talent, preferences, and interests. It is also a place of open-minded people and brilliant professionals who can share knowledge and valuable experiences whilst being in a stimulating and positive working environment.

Be prepared when applying. Get to know very well the philosophy and the principles of the company which are key pillars of being at Arup. Show interest in growing professionally, show ambition and curiosity about current and future main themes/issues the industry is trying to tackle and solve to build a better and brighter future.