Assistant Technician Review

Currently I am working on within a master planning team to select sites suitable for infrastructure development opportunities. Also, I use Civils 3D to produce highway alignments and verticals which comply with standards and satisfy the purpose of the road. These designs are put onto drawings for issue to the client team.

Since starting my Apprenticeship with 0 knowledge of engineering processes I have developed greatly in terms of skills and knowledge over the best part of 4 years. I have learnt multiple software packages including ; Microstation, Civils 3D, AutoCAD, Windes Microdrainage, Power Civils and much more. Using these softwares has allowed me to experience many different design methods. My people skills have also developed due to exposure to client meetings and design team reviews. Arup have put me on many training courses including Civils3D highway design, Mental Health First Aid and Project Wise Training.

The programme is extremely enjoyable with many opportunities for you to develop your career. Must be willing to take the opportunities that come your way and show interest to senior staff. No matter what discipline you are interested in, someone can facilitate you doing what your passion is! The culture is really good and its a lovely place to work.

HR have a good understanding of the course I am studying on and there is a framework in place for your pay, responsibilities to develop as you continue throughout the apprenticeship. Task delegation is completely down to your personality and how much you want to excel in the work you do, you have to go looking or show interest in the better opportunities to get them. Day release is a great way to learn and work will ensure you have the tools to flourish in the educational part of the course as well as the vocational.

Arup are great at offering me support with both my studies and work. The team I am in appreciate my value but also know when I will need assistance and are sure to check in on me and help with any new or difficult tasks. Line manager very supportive of you progression and has set me up with a mentor who helps when it comes to applying for things like EngTech.

Leeds College of Building is fairly poorly organised despite good teachers - individually they all offer great assistance with tasks but as a collective the college and there systems seem rushed and unorganised. Mishaps with things such as letters sent around with wrong start dates etc. have been concerning. The college environment however is enjoyable!

The qualification is certainly tailored more towards Structural Engineering so some of the units have been very distant to what I do within my discipline, however It is good to have a wide understanding of Engineering tasks so this is still useful to know. The relevant things I have learnt have been very practical to know and it has impressed my employer when I know certain things which we have touched on in college. However, on a day- to - day basis what has helped me the most is my on the job learning.

Plenty of social events such as pay day drinks, sports and social activities like mini golf and football etc. There is plenty to do which is either organised on a office level and also on a team level. Projects also organise socials which are a great way to network with peers and more senior staff.

Yes

Lovely work place with fun and intelligent people. Competitive salary and benefits which are nice. Exciting work load and plenty of opportunity of development in career. No cap on where you can progress too aslong as you have drive and willpower. Leeds office space is very good which impressive facilities.

Be yourself, the company is all about people and they do not want a robot. People skills will get you far and showing a genuine interest in what you are being hired for. Assessment days are nothing to be afraid of , go in and have fun! Also read the Key Speach!