Building Services Design Technician Apprentice Review
at Arup
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Newcastle upon Tyne
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!
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:
5/5
BIM design for electrical, mechanical and other services' equipment on various buildings of all types and sizes from around the world. Spatial planning, creating schematics, layout designs and general electrical design work are regular tasks in this job. Work with a team to complete joint goals to create a functional building.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy coming to work for the flexibility, being able to take lunch breaks when I please, work from home and select my own work hours. I also enjoy the fact that each day is different here, posing new challenges and being able to work with new people on different and complex projects.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Teamwork - In this role it is necessary to have people skills as you work with a team on nearly everything.
Design/BIM - Understanding how buildings operate and run, learning more and more on design efficiency daily.
Time management - Learning new ways to meet deadlines.
Design/BIM - Understanding how buildings operate and run, learning more and more on design efficiency daily.
Time management - Learning new ways to meet deadlines.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Work is well organised as it is mostly up to the employee or managers, setting up meetings etc. The busier you get, the more chance meetings may overlap. The college is somewhat organised but could be improved
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
As much support as I require, I am able to sit next to him during work, set up meetings or just ask him a question when I am confused.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
You can contact certain teachers outside of the one college day and expect a reply the day after. However, it is hard to have 1 to 1 conversations or seek help outside of the day release. During college, feedback is given on mock exams and assignments.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification is mostly helpful as lessons are mostly tailored for the job role and certain software used at work are also used at college.
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 several chances for nights out, work days out, get involved in groups like the sports and social team and attend CPDs (continued professional development) hosted by external companies to learn more about their products and things related to the job. There are other things to attend like the annual ski trip and other, random experiences.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arup to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company is great for new starters and early careers, investing lots into support. There are multiple people around to help you through the apprenticeship, including past and current apprentices. The job is genuinely fun and challenging.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arup?
During the interview, ask questions! Its great to show interest in what you may be doing for a large part in your life. Make sure you are prepared to talk about yourself on both the interview and whilst applying. Come with examples of a time at school or a past job (for example, a time where you demonstrated problem solving) and relate it to this job. As well as this, relate your skills to this job role, make sure they are useful for what you'll be doing. In the beginning of the job, speak to as many people as possible. This can get you very far in terms of support, guidance and work.
