Apprentice Project Manager Review
at Arup
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
Solihull
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
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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:
3/5
As a project manager, I support on a variety of projects from schools to hospitals. This involves admin support (creating meeting minutes, filing emails, sending emails, creating meeting requests and making meeting minutes). I also have the opportunity to visit site on a regular basis and see how the work I do is impacting the projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Mostly. I enjoy the daily interaction with people and the flexible way of working. My favourite element is working on a variety of projects so my knowledge base widens every day. There are some fun social events and team meetings. However, I would not rate the university experience highly as it is all virtual.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes - I have developed my excel skills a great deal and my technology skills also. General people skills are something my company in particular is great for as everyone is lovely and it helps to be surrounded by 'people people'. I have developed my prioritisation skills and time management - after experimenting with paper, one note, outlook etc I now know what works for me.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Relatively well structured - while remaining flexible. The work days are structured based on your projects and line manager while the university structure is as fluid as you can get so I decide which work I do on which days. I think it also depends on the mindset of your line manager on how structured work weeks are.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The support I receive from my employer is great. Again, I think this is largely dependent on the line manager but I am given additional days to finish assignments or prepare for assessments if required and I am given support if I am stuck on any content. I have asked some technical experts for additional support and they have been very helpful in the past.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Minimal. With the online university being completely virtual, it is difficult to have any one to one support without messaging on forums. It is great that they do drop in webinars and lectures which are recorded as I can work this around my commitments but there is not a great deal of personal level support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I do think my degree helps me progress in my role. Especially from a technical side, I find myself referring to my university notes before site visits and when on site I can spot elements I have learned about. Also I think learning how to write academically is an invaluable skill which I use regularly in the workplace.
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
Yes there are. With my university degree in addition to work I have not got involved much with the extra curricular activities however there are plenty of options. I know of a badminton group, golf group, football and many more. Social activities are common too - especially for grads and apprentices.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arup to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think there are so many opportunities for personal and professional development at Arup that I would definitely recommend it. I think the people employed by the company are so friendly and welcoming that it is a great place to start a career. There are great social life opportunities and also the company looks after you (private health care etc).
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arup?
I would say do your research about Arup - read the key speech if you can and really think about why you want to work with them over any other construction company. Think about the people side - the sustainability and considering it more than a job. Focus on the human elements of the role and which parts speak to you.
