What did you study and where?

Before coming to Arup, I studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics A-levels (and Computer Science for AS) in my local sixth form school. Since starting at Arup I have completed an HNC in Building Services Engineering, and I started a degree in Mechanical Engineering this September.

Why did you choose the Arup apprenticeship programme?

When doing my A-levels, I applied for engineering at several universities as well as applying to many different apprenticeship programmes. Arup appealed to me because as well as offering to fund a degree they had many different disciplines: mechanical, electrical, acoustics, sustainability and fire, to name just a few. I liked the fact that I would be able to work closely with professionals in these areas and see what interested me and what didn’t.

What do you get up to in your day-to-day role?

Currently, I’m in university two days a week, and in work three days a week. At work, I spend a lot of time carrying out calculations in Excel and doing design work in Revit. This can involve drawing pipe and ductwork routes through a building, creating schematics, or adding equipment i.e. radiators, air terminals etc. I also sit in on design team meetings, review drawings and attend STEM events to encourage young people to pursue engineering as a career.

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This summer, I worked on the HMRC building which is part of the Cardiff Central Square Development. It was a large project with a tight deadline and a lot of deliverables, and I was given a lot of responsibility. ”

What has been your most enjoyable moment / project so far?

This summer, I worked on the HMRC building which is part of the Cardiff Central Square Development. It was a large project with a tight deadline and a lot of deliverables, and I was given a lot of responsibility. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I had never had such a big role in a project, but as a team we successfully delivered the project on time. The day that project went out felt so good because it really felt like I’d achieved something, and you really do bond with a team when you work so closely together.

Do you feel like you’ve missed out on the “University Experience”?

The first year of my apprenticeship was hard. I was adjusting to working a typical 9 to 5 job and getting used to the 7am train and getting home at 6pm – an 11 hour work day was a lot longer than the 7 hour school day I was used to (this was partly due to my commute). Christmas was especially hard, as I was grateful for the nine days I had off while all my friends had a month off. However, work runs a lot of social events, and I moved into a student house this year. I think now I’m getting the best of both worlds. I get to go out with my student friends, go on work nights out, get my degree, get some work experience, and earn some money at the same time. It’s a hectic life, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out, and I wouldn’t make a different decision if I could go back.

What are your future aspirations?

My degree is going to take me five years, and I’m hoping that after that I will have enough experience to become chartered. I also hope to undertake a secondment abroad at some point in the future.