Apprentice Engineer Review

My current role is providing programme level support for a high level road upgrade scheme. The role requires me to co-ordinate the successful delivery of PCF products to the client from multiple schemes across different consultants. This requires myself to have created an automated tracker to record progress of each of these products which is then mapped again the spend to date so I can see how much money is being spent against what has been delivered. I also have a responsibility to look over the finances for this project I have to look to do time sheet and expenses downloads which then are analysed by myself and reported back to the project manager and director prior to submission to the client in a full monthly financial report.

I have gain an level 3NVQ in civil engineering in my time at Arup already. I am close to finishing my Level 3 BTEC in civil engineering. I have been on many training courses for different software's as well as receiving training for different engineering disciplines such as highways, bridges and Geotechnics. I have also been able to develop my interpersonal skills at Arup as well by doing presentations to my highways team, this has allowed me to build my confidence as well as my communication and presentation skills which are all valuable assets.

I enjoy the team that I am working in as they have a good level of work place banter, whilst also being very supportive of decisions and offering help whenever needed. The companies core values align with that of my own which means that I when doing my work I have both the companies interest as heart as this is common with my own. The work that I do is exciting and has given a broad range of exposure to different elements of the industry.

As an employee of Arup I feel highly valued as line managers are very quick to point out good work that you have done to the wider team within Highways. There is an Arup appreciates programme which is a more formal way of recognizing peoples good work.

The programme structure needs improving as there is no longer anyone who has a central command over the apprenticeship programme. This means there is no one central person who can be contacted should you have any queries over the apprenticeship. However all changes to the apprenticeship are very well communicated such as changes in legislation which are reported back to us as and when they are updated should they affect us.

I am on a one day per week day release framework with Arup, this means that every week I am receiving 7.5 hrs of training from just my college. I also have an allocated training budget which allows me to go on a range of training courses that I want to pick. The general attitude to being supported at Arup is that no one will hold you back should you be willing to show the passion for it.

I have a mentor which is someone who look after my apprenticeship progression such as with my training am I getting the right training and support that I need. I also have a line manager who looks after my day to day movements and is responsible for holding 3 monthly meetings to discuss progress on my personal development. In addition to this we have an office apprenticeship co-ordination team who report back to us all the changes to our apprenticeship and give us guidance on our next steps.

The salary is a competitive one however with the cost of transport to work, a lot of my monthly pay packet is spent on things such as fuel. Arup does have a lot of corporate perks such as a great pension scheme, have free health care and many other aspects which offset the wage.

There are many social activities that people can get involved in such as football, badminton, golf, tennis, coding, gaming ect. There are also many team social activities such as theater evenings, go karting, meals out ect. There is always the option to volunteer within Arup for STEM activities or helping promote the company and the industry with local schools.

Yes

Great place to work with great people. The apprenticeship offers a great range of experiences which is fully supported by senior staff within the organisation. As well as getting the full corporate perks of that of long term employees.

Know about the company and their impact in your local area such as famous projects that have been done. Any engineering experience make sure that you talk about it and bring with you a portfolio of any work you've done.