Software Engineer Review
at Arup
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Birmingham
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.2 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
It all depends on where about we are in the software development cycle. However typically I am working on development of projects. I spend a lot of my time coding and putting to use the skill that I have learnt at university. I do the same work as any of the other programmers however the main difference is that I receive a lot more support and they give me more time to complete tasks .
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I thoroughly enjoy working at Arup as the work I do is engaging and exciting I also work with a great team. The team I work with are incredibly friendly and supportive of me and my programme.
However the university experience hasn't been amazing although it is best you are gonna get as a common complaint of most apprenticeships is that the training provider are subpar
However the university experience hasn't been amazing although it is best you are gonna get as a common complaint of most apprenticeships is that the training provider are subpar
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt lots of new technical skills and developed existing ones as well. I have become proficient at JavaScript and also many other programming languages. It all depends on what the project needs.
I have also developed the obvious interpersonal skill and I have learnt how to act in a more professional setting.
I have also developed the obvious interpersonal skill and I have learnt how to act in a more professional setting.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Communication with the university hasn't been the greatest and at the start I ran into many problems. The university hadn't sent me messages about a sign-up process which I needed to do. I got this sorted but it was still very frustrating.
The course structure is adequate. I could not complain or compliment.
The course structure is adequate. I could not complain or compliment.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer is amazing. Arup is an amazing company to work for. Amazing projects, amazing people and amazing support. My only criticism is that when
COVID hit the lower grade staff didn't receive enough support in terms of equipment i.e. monitors. However it is completely understandable why they didn't sort out everyone with everything at the time we didn't know how long COVID would last for.
COVID hit the lower grade staff didn't receive enough support in terms of equipment i.e. monitors. However it is completely understandable why they didn't sort out everyone with everything at the time we didn't know how long COVID would last for.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Our lectures are OK. There are some amazing staff working at Aston university but there is also some average lectures. The support is defiantly something you have to seek to make the most of. If you do not ask then they will not provide. However, when getting support they are pretty good at helping out (most of the time).
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I think my job and qualification are quite closely linked. However it is the case that I learn a lot of the course content whilst working and the lectures are normally just to fill in the gaps of knowledge. I like this but it could be subjective to the employer and the type of work you are doing.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
COVID has thrown everything up into the air but pre-lockdown there was lots of professional social events. My team ran a monthly low stakes poker night which was very fun. We are all very "mathy" and enjoy playing board games. I didn't get involved with any of the sports although there is plenty of teams out there.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arup to a friend?
Yes
Why?
As I said in a earlier question Arup is an amazing company with great people, fantastic projects and immaculate support.
We work on fulfilling projects that have a positive effect on the world. Everyday I work I make the world a better place and that isn't normally something you can say you do everyday.
We work on fulfilling projects that have a positive effect on the world. Everyday I work I make the world a better place and that isn't normally something you can say you do everyday.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arup?
- Read the Key Speech by Ove Arup (you should be able to find in on the website) it outlines the purpose of Arup as a company.
- Understand that the company has a purpose however we are not a charity.
- Read up on the projects done by Arup and what Arup's actual involvement was.
- Most importantly be yourself!!
- Understand that the company has a purpose however we are not a charity.
- Read up on the projects done by Arup and what Arup's actual involvement was.
- Most importantly be yourself!!
