Apprentice Engineer Review

Item: Apprentice Engineer at Arcadis
Rating: 2.9
Author: Anonymous

at Arcadis

Degree Apprenticeship

Data Analysis

York

Review Submitted: April 2024

Overall Rating

2.9 /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!

2.5/5 - Overview of Role

3/5 - Skills Development

2.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

2/5

My role is varied. Most of the work I do is creating graphs or doing odd bits and pieces. There isn't typically a lot of structure and often the work isn't directly relevant to my apprenticeship. The work is typically internal, but I have had some experience with external clients (albeit not client-facing).

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

3/5

I enjoy working with the people that I work and go to uni with. I enjoy when I get work on a good project that's relevant, and I'm happy with the level of responsibility I have. Overall however I think it's so far not really met my expectations in terms of learning at uni or implementation at work. My score is reflective of the fact that I'm performing well, and would probably be lower otherwise

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

3/5

I've developed a lot in terms of soft skills, such as presenting and stakeholder management, but most of my technical skills (the ones most relevant to my future employment) are at the same level as when I first joined. Python, for example, I've used a lot more, but wouldn't say my skill level is significantly higher than when I started

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

1/5

The programme hasn't really got a structure. This has been an issue since the start. There clearly was not a plan or structure in place, although in fairness I am one of two Data Science apprentices in my company which impacts this. Getting work that is relevant is very tough.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

I receive a lot of support from the people I work with within the organisation. There is an understanding of the problems I face and people are always incredibly helpful and giving with their time. There is a wide range of training available and the business does emphasize growth and development

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

2/5

My training provider is Cranfield but via MK:U. The tutors and apprenticeship coaches are incredibly supportive and the lecturers are typically really good and generous with their time. There does appear to be systemic issues with the course/provider that have led to confusion including a changing of our course length

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

1/5

I think that it helps me to perform better in terms of the soft skills I've been taught, unfortunately anything relevant to my role at work I've had to teach myself as we either haven't covered it yet or haven't covered it well. Any other technical skills were known beforehand.

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

There are a wide variety of opportunities, and apprentices are encouraged and welcome to get involved. None of this feels company-mandated or forced, it seems like a genuinely social experience

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Arcadis to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Although I haven't had the best experience, I genuinely think that with the right structure in place, as there are for other apprenticeships, it would be a really good and informative place to work

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arcadis?

Working here can be overwhelming and if you have no experience in the field a bit of an assault on the senses at times. But the people working here are incredibly approachable and willing to help, and there is a lot of space to learn and grow within an apprenticeship role. Be prepared to be given responsibilities though.

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