Assistant Geospatial Technician Review
at Arup
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
London
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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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:
5/5
My role involves supporting colleagues with the management and analysis of spatial data to produce a range of deliverables including technical drawings, 3D models and interactive web applications. I work predominantly with GIS software alongside other key geotechnical software. My projects are varied and spread out across the world, with a particular focus on rail development, renewables and urban geotechnics.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my apprenticeship and particularly my work at Arup. The support I receive from Arup and the range of project opportunities means that there is always a chance to learn new skills and develop. My university course is also enjoyable, although there are times where the content is not particularly relevant to my role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt lots of technical and 'soft' skills throughout my apprenticeship. I have learnt how to use a range of software including GIS, CAD and geological modelling software, and have also had a chance to develop soft skills as well through tasks such as presenting at meetings, writing reports and networking with colleagues.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is well organised - I have a clear plan of what modules I am studying at university each term and there are lots of resources available to support apprentices with evidencing their competencies and Off-the-Job hours. I also have regular tripartite meetings between myself, my employer and my university to discuss my progress.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive lots of support from my employer. We have a strong apprentice network where we can discuss and ask questions about our apprenticeships. I have regular meetings with my line manager to discuss my workload and identify new project opportunities, and I can always ask team members for help if I am stuck on a task or want some advice and guidance on how to improve.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider provides support with completing my degree through one day of teaching each week at university, and academic staff are normally always contactable to ask any questions about any of the module content. There is also lots of support and resources available from my university for guidance on CPD, working towards the End-Point Assessment and achieving chartership.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Much of the degree content is not particularly relevant towards my role. This is due to the fact that a lot of the modules are shared between students studying different courses and hence the content is not focussed towards Geospatial which is the primary focus of my role. If there is content that is taught at university that I need for my role, I have generally already learnt this 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.)
5/5
There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved with, both over lunch and after work - there is generally at least one social activity taking place each day! Our team has a range of sports clubs and social events which take place, alongside 'lunch and learn' events where you can attend a talk to learn more about a new topic. We also have regular team socials after work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arup to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Arup is a great company to complete an apprenticeship with. From your first day you'll be entrusted with lots of different exciting projects to work on, providing an exciting environment in which you can learn and grow, whilst also still receiving lots of support from those around you. The diversity and scale of our projects means there are lots of different project opportunities to choose from based on your interests. Our social events and apprentice community also means there's lots of chance to build new connections across the business.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arup?
When doing your application, think about makes you stand out from the crowd. Many of our apprenticeships have large numbers of applicants, so you need to define what makes you the unique and stand out candidate for the role. This could be based on the subjects you have studied, your interests in the role you are applying for, or previous work experience.
Whilst you may not have experience working in the role you are applying for (and we do not expect you to have experience as an apprentice), think about what skills you have that are relevant for the role, and how the subjects you have studied at school/sixth form/college can help you succeed in the role.
Make sure to read the role that you are applying for thoroughly to ensure that it is the right option for you - an apprenticeship is a significant commitment so make sure you are interested in the role and it aligns with your career aspirations.
Whilst you may not have experience working in the role you are applying for (and we do not expect you to have experience as an apprentice), think about what skills you have that are relevant for the role, and how the subjects you have studied at school/sixth form/college can help you succeed in the role.
Make sure to read the role that you are applying for thoroughly to ensure that it is the right option for you - an apprenticeship is a significant commitment so make sure you are interested in the role and it aligns with your career aspirations.
