Technician Review

My daily activities vary depending on which project I am working on, but it mainly consists of using software to create drawing packages to send out to clients. This can be from preliminary design all the way through to detailed design, on small local improvement schemes or large multi-million pound projects, in the UK and internationally. I communicate with lead engineers and other team members daily, and sometimes with clients and stats companies. Im responsible for my own work and time, and sometimes the work of others.

Since starting my apprenticeship I have gained an abundance of new skills due to this being a completely new industry to me. I am proficient at using AutoCAD, and have good knowledge of designing highway alignments using Civil3D. I have experience in highway, utilities, infrastructure and drainage engineering. I have achieved EngTech accreditation via Institution of Civil Engineers where I was encouraged and supported all the way through my application by my company

I really do enjoy working in this industry and i would recommend it to anybody. There is always somethings new to learn, the projects are always different and helps me to stay engaged in work and studies. Work give me the support that i need to achieve my degree at the same time which is a great help

There has been a reform recently in the structure of the degree sponsorship so that the apprentices have a better understanding of where they should be aiming for each year and what they should be trying to achieve over that academic year whilst in work. I think this is great and helps to guide us to where we need to be as the apprenticeship can be up to 8 years if you start from Level 3 and it can be difficult to stay motivated, and ensures all apprentices across the UK are aiming for the same goals

I receive a great amount of support from my employer. My line manager has always been a great mentor, he is approachable and understanding, and has been through the apprenticeship route himself therefore has a lot of advice for myself and the other apprentices. I am encouraged to undertake training sessions, webinars, progress my professional recognition etc, study leave during exam season and many more benefits

My university is superb, and lecturers are very supportive. They understand that you are working in the industry alongside university, lectures are uploaded online afterwards to ensure all students can learn the material even if not able to make it on to campus, staff are friendly and helpful, and will communicate via email if you have any questions regarding assignments/exams

My qualification definitely helps me perform better at work as I learn new things every week which can help me make decisions and have more background knowledge on different disciplines and processes. It can work the other way around too so my assignments benefit from knowledge that I learn in work

We have an early careers group, where anybody with less than 6 years experience can join and they organise socials, professional networking events and get guest speakers to give some CPD. My office has a yearly Christmas party, summer party and numerous other events throughout the year, organized by the sports and social committee. There are also team events, including social nights out, and team building activities.

Yes

I would 100% recommend Arcadis to anybody that wants to work within the Civil Engineering industry. The support is unmatched, the career development opportunities are unlimited and there is an insane amount of knowledge from people across all disciplines from around the world. The benefits are great, and the people are even better

I would advise anybody applying to Arcadis to be yourself, be professional, research the company, explain why you would want the role and why you would be the best fit for the role, read up on the company values and ensure you align with them and they align with you.