Engineer Review

I get involved in various elements of the design process within a consultancy. This includes 3D modelling, BIM/ clash detection review, producing schedules, specifications and drawings as well as coordinating the design between the internal mutidisciplinary team and with the client, construction team and third party designers on the projects that I work on.

I have developed many technical and interpersonal skills on this apprenticeship. My responsibilities have developed from being under close supervision, to being responsible for the design output for my discipline so naturally my technical knowledge of design standards and knowledge of my projects have developed considerably, but also my leadership and communication skills too.

I find that my programme is enormously intense, and with that it brings tremendous highs as well as very stressful moments. Often, I am balancing my workload to deliver on my commitments to my projects, my academic studies and my professional development and so there are high pressure moments, but great satisfaction when I hit my deadlines.

On balance, I believe my programme is reasonably well organised, but it is not perfect. There are three main elements to my apprenticeship. Project work, academic studies, and professional development where I will gain a professional qualification. These three elements require a lot of effort to ensure they all compliment each other and I can progress each of them harmoniously but each requires significant time commitments.

I am permitted to attend university on a day-release basis during university term-time. My employer provides additional support in the form of 4 days per academic year of study leave, where I can work on coursework or revise for exams. I am also given the time off for my academic exams themselves, but no additional time is permitted towards my professional qualification. My employer does provide a mentor, and a supervisor to help me progress the professional qualification.

My training provider deliver a structured syllabus via weekly lectures. The lectures are usually followed by a tutorial session where I will answer exam-style questions to test my knowledge where the lecturer is on hand to offer support. Occasionally there are additional revision sessions, which work similar to tutorial questions. My training provider will occasionally meet with my mentor and myself to check progress is being made on my professional qualification but this has been very infrequent and inconsistent throughout my apprenticeship, leaving me dissatisfied.

I believe at least 95% of my development and learning has been gained in my workplace due to the role. For my particular discipline, only one module directly related and the content was so high level that I did not particularly learn anything beneficial to my role. Some of the other modules were interesting and broadened my appreciation for other areas in civil engineering and my technical and report writing have improved over this time.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my work including social events, professional talks, networking events, sports teams, fantasy football league, charity tournament sweepstakes, community engagement and much much more. My team in particular are a very social team and we have frequent evening events and get togethers.

Yes

Arup is a place where you can progress your skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience. There are established apprenticeship and graduate schemes which are supported by senior leaders in the company. There are many excellent professionals from whom you can learn a lot and who are generous to take the time to explain things to you. There are usually interesting projects to work on, or projects that will challenge you. There is a fantastic atmosphere in the office, and it feels like Arup place a lot of trust in members of staff.

I would advise others applying to Arup to try and speak with current and former employers to get an understanding of what they like and dislike about the company. Do some research to see what Arup are doing in your field and what their interests are. Read up on their future vision and see if that aligns with the direction you want your career to progress and if you can add value to that.