Environmental Practitioner Review

On an average day I have a variety of tasks over multiple interesting projects, including research, mapping with GIS, and chapter writing in technical reports for a wide range of environmental subjects. Typically, these reports will assess how a construction or regeneration development will affect the environment from different angles e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, water, heritage. By undergoing this assessment we can advise design, improving the project's environmental impact. I also have the frequent opportunity to work with colleagues on business-development projects, innovation initiatives and upskilling. I will rotate around different teams on 6 month placements giving me experience in several sectors.

I have already developed many skills with close guidance from my colleagues who are eager to give me experience in a range of project work. My writing skills, communication, and time management have all improved through the programme. I am also encouraged to pursue what skills interest me, such as practicing GIS and coding for automation.

The programme so far has been hugely enjoyable; my team and the wider company have a great work culture and have frequent socials. The young people's group has been especially fun. My work is challenging but never unmanageable and always interesting - I feel appreciated within my team and can depend on my colleagues.

Generally it has all been very clear. I discuss with my team the direction of the programme far ahead of time and can see clearly where I'm going and how that benefits me and links with my academic learning. There have been some miscommunications with university, but nothing that can't be fixed with proactive communication. The support structures in place for me are robust.

My colleagues - especially my line manager and mentor - check in with me regularly and make sure I understand project briefs. I feel comfortable asking random questions and getting my head round why things are done in certain ways. I have biweekly meetings about my progress, and the team has a monthly call celebrating project wins / reading anonymously submitted positive comments about each other.

I have been provided with extensive support resources and, like a full-time student, have full access to the uni's support systems, mentoring appointments etc. We have quarterly meetings about the progress of the apprenticeship.

The course has been very interesting and covered a big variety of topics. So far, learning has been broad so slightly difficult to always apply to my technical work meaningfully, and I would be interested to see how the more specific topics I'm completing in later years will more directly benefit my work.

There have been many opportunities for socials at Buro Happold, especially for young employees via the Young Employees Forum (YEF). The YEF organises regular meetups and evenings out, including pub quizzes, darts, bowling, and camping. The company additionally has an internal social media with groups to join, and regularly relays networking/other professional events to employees.

Yes

Buro Happold has exceeded my expectations in providing me a professional space to engage with meaningful work, that stretches my abilities without overwhelming pressure. I feel heard, and can clearly see where my career is going and how I will grow with it. The range of work I've worked on and the people I've worked with continues to impress me.

I think that with any large company with an impressive history, it can be easy to worry that the workplace may be rigid / hierarchical / sterile / etc.. From my beginning at Buro Happold, I have only been given opportunity after opportunity and I see my colleagues are as passionate about innovation, teamwork and new ideas as I am. I would encourage anyone applying here to keep an open mind and vocalise your ideas; many will want to hear it.