Assistant Technician Review

On a day to day basis, I work on the design of building services within building. What this involves depends on the stage of a design a building is at. If a project is at the early stages, there is a lot of work in Microsoft excel and drawing basic schematics. Later on in the design process, there is more use of software and producing 3d models. I attend meetings, attend training, and attend college.

I have learned a massive amount about the design process, about how to work Microsoft excel and how collaborative design is. I've learned how to use software such as AutoCAD, Revit and Virtual Environment. I'm also learning how to mange my own time a lot better, as now if my time isn't managed well it doesn't just affect me, but also the rest of my team, so it's been a really valuable skill to learn.

I thoroughly enjoy my program. I like the pace of the work, even though the workload can vary from week to week. I like the culture within the company and the way people interact with you, and how willing people are to help you. I don't think I was expecting the attitude to be so relaxed.

I feel very valued by Arup. There is an appraisal process where my manager sat with me and laid out goals and asked what I was interested in within the job to encourage me to pursue it further. I am also given tasks within my job that are at my skill level and slightly above as these allow me to learn. My contribution to projects is always valued and I feel like the time I spend on projects is worthwhile.

The project has gotten a lot more structured this year. As well as my day release to college, we have a training session specific to our discipline one a fortnight. I also have the option to take days for my college work in the build up to exams. I have also been assigned a trainer who I can go to with any issues I'm having with college or within work, and someone who can help guide me with my chartership stuff. The program hasn't been incredibly well structured with regards to what courses we will be doing at HNC level and then at degree level, but for me this has been good as it has allowed me to be very involved in choosing my own path.

I haven't had many issues with my college, and so I can't really comment on this. If I have any issues with college, I have my tutors email so I know I can get in touch with him.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. If I have issues I know who I can go to and who I can speak to.

As an 18 year old, my salary meets my costs incredibly well. However, I do still live at home with my parents, and I travel an hour and 15 minutes to get to work (via the train). I have enough money left after my essentials to go to lots of concerts and do lots of different things.

Yes there are. There are lots of opportunities within work to develop myself professionally, such as debates and presentations, but also lots of activities that are run within work as social events, such as go karting and escape rooms. There are also opportunities to visit other offices which allows you to network with other people within the industry.

Yes

There is a good balance between life and work, and really great opportunities for progression

Make sure you know a little bit about the company before you go to an interview, and try and have some extra curricular activities under your belt to chat about. If you do get a position, make the most of your apprentice week as you'll make great connections and it makes everything a lot less scary