Civil Engineering Assistant Engineer Review

Since joining Arup, I have had the opportunity to complete a variety of work, such as design work using different CAD software, looking at road alignments, and how to make roads safer. I have also had the opportunity to do a rotation for a year into another team to widen my experience and knowledge which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have worked with clients and sub-consultants on projects as well as been given a mentor to help support me. We have flexible working, which is great.

I have developed my excel skills from a basic knowledge to now being able to complete high-level tasks. I have also gained engineering knowledge on traffic signs and highways through reading standards and conversing with those I work with. I have had the opportunity to improve my presenting skills as well as general communication through team meetings and socialising in the office.

It is challenging but I do enjoy it. Being able to work and study at the same time is great, as it means that I can apply what I learn into my day-to-day job or vise-versa. It is a block release degree programme, so it means that we go for a week every month, meaning that we have time to switch off from work and focus on uni. Work are very supportive with the course. You get to know the other students on the course which has been great, as you build a support network.

I go to uni for a week every month for six months. Having six months off uni works well as it means that I can focus on work and do not have to think about uni. The course is structured well as the course leads consider the intensity of the programme and try to space out when assignments are due in. Exams are at the end of the 6 month period in June.

I receive lots of support from my employer. Any issues I have I can go to my line manager with and they go above and beyond to help me. Weekly catchups are put in place with your line manager for a general chat and to see how you are doing.

We are assigned a personal tutor who checks in with us when we are at uni to see how the week has gone as well as having formal meetings four times a year to discuss our progress with the degree. Any issues had you can go to your personal tutor with.

It depends on what department you work in, but currently not all of the degree is relevent to my day-to-day job. However, learning about different areas of engineering is really useful and has helped me widen my knowledge. In particular, I have learnt about structures engineering which I did not previously know.

There are lots of activites put on within the individual teams and at office level. There are also project socials and events put on which are a fantastic way to get to know other members of the team who work in different offices. Team socials include, going out for meals, bowling, golf, comedy nights, bake off, sports day etc which are all a great way to socialise with the team and are organised by the wellbeing team. There is also a summer office event held as well as a christmas one.

Yes

The opportunities you get at Arup are fantastic. The variety of work I have been given has allowed me to learn about different aspects of engineering and decide on which ones I prefer. This variety of work is crucial for the apprenticeship end point assessment, which work are really supportive with. Any issues you have, work are always there to support you and do what they can to help. The people at Arup generally care about each other and it is a great environment and company to work for. I have made some great friends along the way.

Show enthusiasm towards the job and the main thing is to just be yourself!