Assistant Technician Review

I work as an Engineering Technician in the Highways Team. On a daily basis I undertake a wide range of tasks to help with the delivery of our projects. This involves 3D design work and other engineering tasks. I work in a team with more senior members colleagues and I help to oversee more junior colleagues.

On a professional level I have build up my computer software and CAD skills, as well as more non-technical skills such as presenting with impact. I learn something every day, which could be a generic personal skill or something related to working in the industry. Overall, I have been able to develop personally and professionally in a supportive environment.

The programme is enjoyable, yet challenging. Work is generally very interesting and this ensures your desire to learn doesn't disappear. It can be tough balancing a part time degree and a full time job, but it is all worth it in the end. Dedication to the programme is required.

It is structured fairly well but as I am part of one of the first couple of cohorts, there are constant updates to ensure we are getting the best from our programme. Between the employees, employers, the training provider and the professional bodies involved, eventually the programme will be fine tuned to ensure it is as efficient as possible.

My employer is very supportive in attaining the best programme possible for us. Although there are strict guidelines from the government on level 6 apprenticeships, there is some flexibility and extra support given. It is important that mentors are appropriately aware of the course and the needs of each individual.

In terms of the degree then we get as much support as full time students, other than we only attend the uni one day a week. There are efforts to tailor the course more towards meeting the end point assessment, which is more appropriate than the old style course was for regular part time students.

There are many relevant parts of the course to my job role, but undertaking a general civil engineering degree allows me to develop my overall knowledge on the subject. This can only be beneficial to my role, although it can be challenging at times when you're effectively learning a subject you have never done and most likely never will perform at work.

I attend our office weekly football match and we even have a yearly tournament, hosted by one of our European offices. I also attend frequent work golf tournaments and again there is an annual tournament. As part of my CPD, I also attend out of hours professional networking events. Teams within the office have regular team bonding nights out and we also have team and office Christmas parties.

Yes

Arup is an excellent place to work. The working environment is very good, with supportive colleagues all pulling in the same direction. Socially, it is a good place as most people are friendly. Everyone works hard to produce the best results possible, but wellbeing is at the forefront of the business.

Be confident in your application and show a keen interest at open days and assessment days. As an apprentice you aren't expected to know much, but you are expected to show good teamworking abilities. The desire to learn and ability to work with others is what you will mainly be judged on.