Graduate Trainee Review
at Equans UK & Ireland
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Construction
Crewe
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
4.3 /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!
3/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
4/5
On the graduate scheme, we undertake 4 6-month placements over 2 years on different contracts around the UK. EQUANS works in facilities management and carbon neutral solutions which we are expected to learn about in detail during our time. We are expected to take on an operational role and a commercial placement but have the opportunity to do strategic, financial, and technical placements as well. Many of us have mentors across the company and we are encouraged to professionally grow and reflect throughout our time through the apprenticeship, placements and regular graduate retreats.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
I really enjoy my placements. So far, each team I have worked with has made me feel included and made me welcome which has made my experience very good. They have also be dedicated to helping me learn and professionally develop while there.
The apprenticeship is delivered through Redsky which is a very supportive and caring team who genuinely seem interested in helping us reach our potential.
I do not always enjoy graduate events with the early careers team. Although the early careers team is supportive and welcoming and do make a genuine effort to aid our professional development, on graduate retreats/events professionalism can be lost and expectations can be put on the grads and apprentices that are hard to meet. There is not always a caring and enjoyable culture on graduate events.
The apprenticeship is delivered through Redsky which is a very supportive and caring team who genuinely seem interested in helping us reach our potential.
I do not always enjoy graduate events with the early careers team. Although the early careers team is supportive and welcoming and do make a genuine effort to aid our professional development, on graduate retreats/events professionalism can be lost and expectations can be put on the grads and apprentices that are hard to meet. There is not always a caring and enjoyable culture on graduate events.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt around the handling and delivery of PFI contracts from an operational perspective. Including managing client relationships, operational delivery and team management. I have had many opportunities to lead my own projects through my placements and through projects the early careers team have found for the graduate scheme to take on.
I am currently learning about tendering bids and mobilisation of new contracts while conducting market research for future opportunities. I have also been working on the delivery and advertisement of the 'zero carbon schools roadmap' where school assets and buildings are retrofit to be more sustainable.
I am currently learning about tendering bids and mobilisation of new contracts while conducting market research for future opportunities. I have also been working on the delivery and advertisement of the 'zero carbon schools roadmap' where school assets and buildings are retrofit to be more sustainable.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well organised. Placement expectations and graduate expectations are clearly outlined. You will be supported in day-to-day questions and issues.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
They are very supportive. They are always very willing to arrange meetings with us to discuss any problems or questions. We have regular 1-2-1's where any issues can be brought up and growth can be reflected on.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
We receive 'stretch coaching' with each module to discuss any gaps in our knowledge and be supported through it. Our provider is always available for advice and meetings if necessary. We also undergo regular apprenticeship 'check-ins' to see if we're experiencing any issues to keep up with work etc. Redsky is a very good apprenticeship platform.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The apprenticeship goes over theoretical business challenges that often compliment the learning we do on placement. We have undertaken modules on budgeting and communication, leadership styles and been educated on situational awareness within the workplace. All of which are relevant to our everyday jobs.
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
Social activities often take place within office teams while you're on placements. The graduates are also encouraged to be friendly to one another from the beginning and support each other.
EQUANS has a number of networking groups such as 'women in equans', the parenting network, 'LGBT+' network, 'RISE' network and the young professionals network. I would especially recommend the RISE network (dedicated to racial equality) as its a very supportive and influential network within equans.
EQUANS has a number of networking groups such as 'women in equans', the parenting network, 'LGBT+' network, 'RISE' network and the young professionals network. I would especially recommend the RISE network (dedicated to racial equality) as its a very supportive and influential network within equans.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Equans UK & Ireland to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Every job has pros and cons but I think EQUANS, Redsky and the early careers team (with the help of orangebox) do a great job of supporting us and teaching us while we learn.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Equans UK & Ireland?
Be sure you're happy with travelling and relocating as you will do A LOT of this on the job.
EQUANS really values its health and safety culture so if you are building a business response to an interview question, Be sure to mention the importance of health and safety.
Approach problems logically, attempt to encorporate business models and strategies into any proposals you make.
Approach issues openly and fairly, considering EQUANS best interest as well as the clients best interests. There will be a compromise available.
EQUANS really values its health and safety culture so if you are building a business response to an interview question, Be sure to mention the importance of health and safety.
Approach problems logically, attempt to encorporate business models and strategies into any proposals you make.
Approach issues openly and fairly, considering EQUANS best interest as well as the clients best interests. There will be a compromise available.
