Mechanical Engineer Apprentice Review
at Arup
Degree Apprenticeship
Mechanical Engineering
Cardiff / Caerdydd
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
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
I work on the design stage of buildings, designing the mechanical services and systems in the building. This ranges from calculations to drawing the systems on software. This is 4 of the 5 days a week with 1 day allocated to studying in University.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I find my programme is very good overall and that the systems they use for accessing content and material is efficient and easy to use. My lecturers overall are helpful and approachable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
My software skills have developed massively since starting at Arup. In addition my communication and team working skills have improved through interactions at Arup run events and working as teams on projects.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the structure of having two modules per terms rather than four modules across the whole year. I think long lectures or lectures that run late into the evening less helpful than slightly shorter lectures earlier in the day.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer is very supportive and Ive got a very good network set up of people I can reach out to for any help. I always feel I can bring my issues and be open about my projects and university work with them.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I feel like I receive good support but I definitely feel that I get more support from my employer and that they are more approachable with my issues.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that learning about systems and how they work in both university and work compliment each other well. I find that both area fill any gaps from the other and seeing the real world side of my job helps my work and understanding on my course.
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 no shortage. There are constant social opportunities and were encouraged to network with other offices, companies, disciplines etc. There are a range of sport clubs each Arup office run as well as many sport based networking opportunities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arup to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are very focused on training and networking with others. Ensuring your mental health is well and your physical health is taken seriously. They offer so many benefits as a company and offer massages, doctors, BMI reading etc. There is an endless list of pros to working at Arup.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arup?
Be yourself and show your personality in your interview. There is a fantastic dynamic of people at Arup, and they are fantastic with apprentices. If you're in two minds I recommend applying, its the best thing I have ever done.
