Apprentice engineer Review

As a civil engineer degree apprentice, I have had a lot of experience in CAD modelling and creating design drawings. This gives me an understanding of location based choices and standards followed that decide where assets need to be. I occasionally make some design choices and perform calculations regarding civil structures.

I have definitely learned new skills such as building information modelling whilst on my apprenticeship. This has been developed every day, especially within the first 6 months of the job. Recently I have been developing newer skills that will allow me to progress to a more engineering role than a CAD technician, such as performing calculations and clash detections.

I like my apprenticeship, especially since my university training is formatted in block release cycles. This has allowed me have a university experience and congregate with apprentices from companies similar to Arcadis, including people who are at a similar point to me as well as people who have been in the industry for a while.

The apprenticeship part is very well structured and I have been happy with it apart from the very start where my college/ university place was not 100%. I am content with the training agreement I am on now though. This issue seems to have been resolved for future intakes which is good to see as an employee.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and I have regular check ups on progression and where I can take my career. If I have any questions regarding my apprenticeship, my line manager is always willing to answer and provide guidance. When I was first starting, everyone was helpful and provided training in a specific area they were good at which enabled me to develop different contacts and skills quickly.

Although I like Sheffield Hallam University, the organisation has been lacking in some areas. I am supposed to have quarterly reviews with an off the job learning coach and my line manager to discuss progression towards completing the degree. The system changed recently how I upload progression which was very confusing and I had a period of about 9 months where I was missing an off the job learning coach due to retirement. This seems to have been sorted now and hopefully I can discuss my further progression with the new coach who seems keen to get me to the necessary level.

Since I am doing a rail engineering degree specialising in civil engineering, I feel like it is a very relevant qualification for my job. It helped me get multidisciplinary insight into the projects I have been working on with Arcadis. Knowing what other disciplines assets are and what they do helps me understand the purpose of civil assets.

There are many extra curricular activities that go on at work. I have participated in 5 a side football last summer after work and have also attended a mini golf social night. It is harder to attend these in the new office as coming from outside of York is difficult without a work car park.

Yes

It is a very employee first company and I have had a very good experience with them. Everyone is very supportive and willing to give advice on engineering and career development. The salary, although less than other apprentices on my course, is still very competitive and the employee benefits are good.

Be open minded and express a willingness to develop your skillset. If you have an interest in design engineering then Arcadis is a great option that provides quality training and a good employee experience. Practice presentation skills as these are quite important to get the position and help a lot in the job.