Degree Apprentice Review
at Atkins
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Birmingham
Review Submitted: April 2024
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
2.5/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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:
3/5
As a designer your role can vary depending on the project you're on. Tasks can include calculations, drawings, CAD work, meetings and presentations, and site visits.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
Some areas of the programme are great, but some less so. It can really depend on your module teacher and the projects you are on at work. If you work in a structural discipline many of the modules will be relevant to you, but other disciplines may find their learning at university less relevant.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Site-relevant skills, communication, maths, critical thinking, ED&I knowledge
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The university block weeks are ran well, and apprentices tend to have a good amount of work with their employer. However, both parties disagree on how much time apprentices should be given to work on their assignments leaving apprentices to fend for themselves with lots of work and not a lot of time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Employers generally give a good amount of work, with some apprentices getting a good range of experience. However, some apprentices work on CAD for long periods and as a result lack skill progression.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Good amount - if you're stuck you can ask for Teams calls, etc. while you're off-campus
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Some areas are very relevant, some less so. Generally the course helps develop your engineering understanding and reasoning and you can do harder tasks at work as you progress through the degree.
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
Some people from the office go to local sports places (badminton, football, climbing, etc.) and teams often go on socials.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Atkins to a friend?
Yes
Why?
While there is room for improvement, there are a wide range of opportunities within the company and you will be supported with your studies.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Atkins?
Know your interests, be confident, have clear goals and communicate these with your manager when you start
