Apprentice Civil Engineer Review
at Arcadis
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.5 /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
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Overview of Role
2/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
4/5
In my role as a Civil Engineering Apprentice within a design consultancy, I support the delivery of infrastructure projects, primarily within the rail sector. My day-to-day activities involve assisting engineers with design tasks, reviewing drawings, and responding to technical queries (TQs) and document review comments (DRNs).
I contribute to ensuring designs are accurate, compliant with relevant standards, and aligned with project requirements. This includes identifying potential risks, supporting hazard identification, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including CAD technicians and other engineers.
Additionally, I manage and organise project information, maintain records, and support the preparation of deliverables.
I contribute to ensuring designs are accurate, compliant with relevant standards, and aligned with project requirements. This includes identifying potential risks, supporting hazard identification, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including CAD technicians and other engineers.
Additionally, I manage and organise project information, maintain records, and support the preparation of deliverables.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme to a large extent, particularly because it is delivered remotely. This allows me to study flexibly around my work and personal life, without losing time commuting or attending in-person classes.
The flexibility enables me to manage my time more efficiently and focus on learning in a way that suits me best. Overall, this makes the programme more practical and easier to balance alongside my professional responsibilities.
The flexibility enables me to manage my time more efficiently and focus on learning in a way that suits me best. Overall, this makes the programme more practical and easier to balance alongside my professional responsibilities.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
I have developed some existing skills and gained limited new ones during this period. While I have continued to build on my knowledge of tools such as ArcGIS, this is an area I was already familiar with from previous experience, so the level of new learning has been moderate rather than significant.
I would rate my skills development around 2–3 out of 5, as the progress has been steady but not substantial. This is mainly due to the nature of the work I have been involved in, which has focused more on applying existing knowledge rather than learning entirely new skills.
I would rate my skills development around 2–3 out of 5, as the progress has been steady but not substantial. This is mainly due to the nature of the work I have been involved in, which has focused more on applying existing knowledge rather than learning entirely new skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is generally well organised and structured, with clear expectations and accessible learning materials. The remote format allows for flexibility, which helps in managing study alongside work commitments.
However, the level of structure can sometimes feel limited, as it requires a high degree of self-discipline and organisation to stay on track. Overall, the programme provides a good framework, but relies on independent learning to get the most out of it.
However, the level of structure can sometimes feel limited, as it requires a high degree of self-discipline and organisation to stay on track. Overall, the programme provides a good framework, but relies on independent learning to get the most out of it.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a good level of support from my employer. I am given the opportunity to work on a range of projects and gain practical experience, with guidance from more experienced engineers when required.
I also have protected time for study, which helps me balance my academic commitments alongside work. While support is available when needed, there is also an element of independence, allowing me to take responsibility for my own development. Overall, the support provided is appropriate and helps me progress in my role.
I also have protected time for study, which helps me balance my academic commitments alongside work. While support is available when needed, there is also an element of independence, allowing me to take responsibility for my own development. Overall, the support provided is appropriate and helps me progress in my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a moderate level of support from my training provider. Learning materials and resources are provided clearly, and guidance is available when needed.
However, due to the remote nature of the programme, much of the learning is self-directed, which requires a good level of independence. Overall, the support is sufficient, but it relies on proactive engagement to make the most of it.
However, due to the remote nature of the programme, much of the learning is self-directed, which requires a good level of independence. Overall, the support is sufficient, but it relies on proactive engagement to make the most of it.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification helps to some extent, as it supports my understanding of engineering principles that are relevant to my work. However, the impact is moderate, as much of the learning is general and not always directly applied in day-to-day tasks.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are some opportunities for extra-curricular activities, mainly occasional social events such as seasonal or Christmas gatherings. However, there are limited regular activities such as sports teams or networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arcadis to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would definitely recommend Arcadis. It has a great team and supportive people, which creates a positive working environment and makes it a good place to develop professionally.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arcadis?
Be proactive and show a genuine interest in engineering and the work Arcadis does. It’s important to demonstrate a willingness to learn, ask questions, and take initiative.
Also, be prepared to work collaboratively, as teamwork is a key part of the role. Having a positive attitude and being open to feedback will help you make the most of the opportunity.
Also, be prepared to work collaboratively, as teamwork is a key part of the role. Having a positive attitude and being open to feedback will help you make the most of the opportunity.
