Apprentice Engineer Review

by Arcadis

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

5.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Providing support to electrical design engineers, creating and reviewing designs that are compliant to appropriate standards and regulations for projects in the rail sector. Performing simulations and models such as electrical load calculations and lighting calculations. Attending weekly design meetings, intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary.

6/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Developed skills and knowledge in modelling and simulation software: Revit, MicroStation, DIALux, Trimble ProDesign. Understanding of CDEs such as ProjectWise and BIM 360. Understanding of design processes, PCRA, detailed report writing.

6/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Programme initially begun very slow with very little work, only recently has it begun to be more exciting with many opportunities to learn both theoretical and practical skills. Meeting new people both clients and colleagues. Taking on more responsibilities and now feeling more useful than before

6/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There isn't much structure in the sense of milestones that need to be met. There are reviews every now and then

4/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I do receive support from line managers and other colleagues and can't fault that

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Training provider is good, however there is still no sight of the apprenticeship coach who is meant to guide apprentices at the university regarding how to record OTJ and build up a portfolio

4/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Lots of the stuff done I have been told can be applied to the job a few years down the line, however lots of it is just generalised engineering knowledge which isn't job specific. Other material covered also feels like a box ticking exercise that is completely unrelated to the engineering industry

5/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are social, charity and sporting events that take place in each office location as well as CPD sessions and other meetings

7/10

9a. Would you recommend Arcadis to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Very respectable and large company, job feels secure, looked after by higher ups and line managers.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arcadis?

Be persistent in being able to take part in other projects as some apprentices feel like they are forgotten about, however it is much better when you get your foot in the door and people can depend on you and trust in your abilities as an engineer