Electrical Engineer Review
at Arup
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Cardiff, UK
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4 /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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
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
I am an 'Assistant Electrical Technician'. On the road to becoming an electrical engineer. I typically work 9:00-5:30 but at Arup we have flexible hours so this can vary depending if I have something on. I work on a range of electrical packages such as lighting calculations, small power designs, containment routing among other building services.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am a big fan of my apprenticeship. The people I work with are all friendly and extremely happy to help if I ever need it. I am able to work from home 2 days a week, have my university degree paid for and learn a lot of electrical knowledge on the job.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned a multitude of skills. Both technical such as how to design a range of electrical packages using software whilst also a range of people skills. I have learned how to deal with tricky clients and contractors to achieve a desired goal. My confidence has grown immensely since starting my apprenticeship 5 years ago.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I have found the structure of my apprenticeship excellent. In my first 2 years I studied a level 3 extended diploma in Electrical & Electronic engineering. I completed then went straight to University to study electrical engineering. This degree is 5 years (as opposed to 3) as I study 2 days a week and work the other 3 days.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Overall y level of support is exceptional. For both my studies and work related support. I get a number of days off each year for revision for my exams and in work my colleagues are all very keen to help if I ever have any work related quires which I must say is often.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I study for my degree at the University of South Wales (USW). Overall I have had a pleasant experience. My course is 5 years so my classes change ever other year or so. I have bi-monthly check ins with the university with my boss to ensure both studies and work are going smoothly.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
Due to the nature of my job, the electrical engineering degree does not really have that muck transferable knowledge. The degree mainly focuses on electronic engineering as opposed to building services. My qualification teaches me the fundamental knowledge of electrical engineering, but does not really benefit my ability to do my job well.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Arup puts a major emphasis on extra curricular activitiues. We have a whole office social after every pay day which included free drinks and food. They also have lots of sports teams such as football, cricket and touch rugby to name a few. Arup also have a football tour every year where an office in Europe host. I've been to Cork (Ireland) in 2019 and next Copenhagen is coming up (2024).
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arup to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Arup has a clear structure in place for apprenticeships to achieve both technical knowledge of the job and qualifications. They are understanding that apprentices do not have all the knowledge at the start of their careers and do not expect you to know everything. They allow for mistakes to be made and learned from.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arup?
Be authentic. Each candidate that go's for an interview at Arup are vetted to ensure they are the fit fit for the team. Id say you have to be friendly, enthusiastic to learn and generally a nice person to get a job there. Do some research about Arup as a company prior to any interview.
