Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice technician in the Highways team. I am responsible for the CAD design of our proposed highway schemes. This overs a wide range from modelling the carriageway, to helping to design the drainage systems. I am in constant interaction with other technicians and engineers, who assist me with my work. They are able to give me the knowledge I need to complete my tasks. This may even be members of other disciplines.

Each day and develop my skills on CAD software, such as Microstation and AutoCAD. And again everyday I learn something new about Highways engineering/design. I have attended many courses to with software training, finance, other disciplines (including bridge engineering, rail engineering and environmental planning) and much more. I attend a local college one day a week to study a civil engineering level 3 BTEC.

I am enjoying my programme and I am interested in the work I do. This is a good basis for expanding my knowledge and seeking challenges to progress further. I feel I integrated well into the team and enjoy working with other team members. I didn't expect to be as far along as I am now, when I started with the firm.

I am never short of work and often engineers working on different projects request my time. This makes me feel trusted and valued as part of the team. I have recently had a very good initial appraisal, which again increased my confidence. Everyone in my team is willing to help me when I am stuck, which helps me feel like they care about my development

I always have work to complete, which is something I have heard is not the case in other apprenticeships. I feel like I was recruited as an investment in me, and be trusted with work from the very beginning. I know who my superiors are and who I can ask for extra work if needed. My mentor and I meet regularly to discuss work and college. She is very good at guiding me through goals and tasks to complete.

I generally enjoy going to college. However, over the year the course has been quite unorganised. This was due to a staffing issue. but it has meant our workload for the second semester has been much high than it should be. Most of the time we are able to get help, but we have had to put in a lot of extra hours than we should have in the second semester.

I have a mentor who helps me out a lot with my development. As previously mentioned everyone in the team is willing to explain things and assist me with my work if I require it. I have had no issues with being stuck for too long. I am aware of who I need to contact with any HR issues and received a HR welcome pack when I started. It contains lots of information I might need. The company intranet contain lots of information and guidance I may also require.

As I am currently living at home and close to work I am able to get by, as my living and travel costs are quite low. Sometimes I am short of disposable income to do things I enjoy.

There are many sports and social activities available to participate in through the sports and social committee. I currently play football once a week and am attending the annual Arup football tournament. This year it is being held in Berlin. I also play on the regular golf tournaments held by Arup. There are many talks provided on current civil engineering issue and developments held at various times throughout the day, which we are encouraged to attend. I have joined the professional body for civil engineering, ICE, and they have an events diary where you can sign up to attend national/local events.

Yes

I have enjoyed my time at Arup. I feel it is a really good place to develop knowledge and skills, giving yourself a good platform for a civil engineering career.

Show an interest in the company, e.g. find out some facts. Demonstrate why you feel you want to become a civil engineer and that you are keen to develop yourself. Be confident on the assessment day and talk to as many people as possible. This show keenness and gives you a chance to find out more.