Project Controls Apprentice Review

A number or responsibilities in my role. Daily tasks include: Having meetings Building/updating programmes Liaising with team members Responsibility varies depends on the project and type of project. On a big project you may be responsible for a specific thing such as forecasting etc and then other varying responsibilities on top. On a smaller project you may be in supporting one other person with all the project controls tasks and may be responsible for the programme, forecasting, cost etc

I have learnt and developed a number of new skills. I have developed my ability to communicate, my soft skills and how to handle certain situations, leadership skill, my confidence, public speaking skills and my skills with software such as Excel I have also learnt new skills such as how to use Primavera P6, how power BI works and overall my understanding of how things work on projects in general.

I enjoy my programme a lot. The cohort of apprentices and graduates I joined with are amazing. We push each other as well as have lots of fun. The company looks after you as an employee and supports you in every way it can. Overall I enjoy my programme, especially the people at the company. However I don't enjoy the training provider side as much.

My programme is well structured. Everybody is given a line manager and a buddy to help them and so they have people they can speak to at all times. When you join there're projects ready for you to be mobilised on however I do think there should be a more rigid plan for what apprentices should achieve on projects however in such a dynamic industry this can be hard.

My employer is as supportive as it can be. I have not been turned away when asking for anything additional that will support me in my career and growth. I have had lots of investment from the company in the form of a laptop, lots of courses etc that have helped me grow. Also, the employees at the company are all very helpful and will always have time for you to help you learn, grow and support you.

I have not received much support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications. As I am on a project controls course and not project management the APM PMQ is not built into my course which is not ideal and I'm having to do it through the company who are full supporting me. In terms of working towards my degree the training provided provides lectures and feedback on assignments but aside from this doesn't do much else to support.

Learning about the qualification/ doing a degree helps me understand the project controls side of things in theory which in turn helps me in my role as I have learnt the theory behind things and can not implement it and put it into practice. It gives me background knowledge to help me do my role better.

There an abundance on extra curricular activities to get involved in - so many I can't keep up. There are 100s of networks you can join that have everything from football/basketball to skiing to yoga to monopoly games. Anything and everything you want to do you can do if you there's enough interest. There are also lots of socials to attend.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Arup to a friend as it is a company that genuinely cares for it's employees especially early careers. We are treated as equals, invested in and supported throughout our time here. The fact Arup cares for its employees and prioritises employee development is what makes it such an attractive place to work.

I would advise someone applying to Arup to make sure they prioritise the questions asked when applying to Arup. At this Early careers stage, more than anything recruitment cares about how you answer the questions posed in the application process and that will have the biggest effect on whether you reach the next round. Research Arup: learn what they've done, what their culture is like etc and be yourself when applying.