Industrial Trainee | Highways & Bridges Review

Thoroughly enjoyed my work placement. I have experienced a wide and interesting variety of Civil Engineering challenges through my work on active infrastructure projects. I have been able to apply my theoretical knowledge which has expanded enormously in the working environment and I have benefitted greatly from quality mentoring provided by industry leading engineers.

I felt highly valued by my colleagues. Within Arup it is clear all staffs contributions are valued (This is an important part of the Arup ethos) Feedback on worked completed is given often meaning that you are always able to know what went well and what went not so well.

People were very friendly and helpful to me throughout my placement. Staff are happy to answer questions and offer advise to you no matter what grade/ level they are. My line manager encouraged me to register as student member of the ICE and to start working towards chartership by documenting attributes on the ICE website

As with any consultancy work level fluctuates throughout the year. Some weeks were more hectic and others more relaxed Managers always ensured that I had enough work to keep me busy, and the work I received was varied and interesting Throughout my placements I feel the workload was a good level

Initially, as you would expect from any new job, responsibility given was limited. As the Year progressed and I proved myself to the company tasks became longer and more complex as I was given more responsibility By the end of my placement I had Created, authored and issues engineering documents and drawings, and had the same responsibility ad graduate engineers

My placement gave me the chance to apply the theoretical knowledge practically. I was given the change to attend multiple formal training courses from CAD drawing software courses to CDM for designers and even an asbestos awareness training. Aside from formal training colleagues were always willing to help explain and advise. Arup really went above and beyond with the standard and quantity of training provided

Overall staff are all welcoming and friendly. Atmosphere was relaxed but professional. Although there is a hierarchy of management everyone sits in the same office and everyone is approachable regales if they are a graduate engineer or a director. The relaxed but professional atmosphere helped me settle into the office

Very well organised. On my first day I was paired with one of the 2nd year apprentices. He ensured I completed all the relevant new starters training, collected my laptop and other equipment. HR and H&S inductions and processes were efficient and well thought-out meaning I was set up and working on projects within my first few days.

Arup went above and beyond what was expected in terms of investing in training. Countless hours of Informal instruction/training given during my placements by colleague's as I completed tasks for them. Over my placement I received many hours of formal training including: Introduction to highway design, asbestos awareness and CDM for designers.

In short very appealing! I will to return to Swansea University and completed 3rd and 4th year. I intent to apply for a graduate position at Arup and hope to return to the company. A large proportion of my colleagues had completed placement years during their degree (Both at Arup and other companies)

Yes, There were a large range of sports clubs within the office (Football, climbing etc) Aside from sport There are monthly whole office socials (Called hub and pub of the months) They begin in the large conference space called the "hub" with a selection of snacks and drinks then most people carry on to the designated pub of the month The Christmas and summer party's are two further big events

Very cheap in summary. Living costs are very low. Just £3 ish pound a pint. Average main course in a resultant is £8-10 Rent including bills in a shared student house is around £350-£400. if you wanted to live in A private flat costs would obviously be a little higher

Cardiff bay has a range of good restaurants and a couple of bars. Went out for lunch with the team most Fridays. and for evenings drinks fairly often. Proper nights out people would travel the 10-15 mins into the city centre which has a wide and varied range of clubs and bars.

Multiple opportunities were provided to get involved with activists outside of work. I attended the Annual Arup ski trip which over 120 staff attended from all over our uk offices. I also took part in a public consultation event (presenting a highway to the public) and a public engagement event (two days of assisting locals clear and reverb a community sorts ground and green space)