Arup records highest ever intake of apprentices

In September, Arup welcomed more than 300 new graduates and apprentices into the firm at two welcome events across the country. This year, 256 graduates and 51 apprentices joined Arup in UK offices, the highest intake of apprentices since the firm started its apprenticeship programmes 30 years ago.

The graduate induction, held at Warwick University, incorporated both an induction and a skills week programme into one, week-long event. Hosting the event in one location meant Arup was able to bring six discipline-specific skills weeks together in one venue, helping to provide greater networking opportunities for the graduates during the day and in the evenings.  

Emily Lewis, HR programme coordinator at Arup, commented: “Arup graduates are given real responsibility on exciting projects with clients from day one, with continued encouragement and support needed to deliver quality work. Whilst a carefully designed programme is important, we also allow our graduates to create their own career path and choose their direction within Arup. Our guidance and mentoring during the first years at Arup encourage graduates to participate in training, workshops and work towards their professional qualifications with their chosen Institution.”

The Arup apprentice induction was held in Manchester, where 51 apprentices enjoyed three days of talks, group activities and technical workshops. After the initial induction, apprentices joined their new teams and begin work on live projects straight away. “They have the opportunity to work on a huge variety of projects from iconic buildings to major infrastructure projects and they provide a vital contribution to the firm,” said Lewis. “Our apprenticeship scheme offers a formal and structured course with real opportunities for long term career development,” she said. 

Although apprentices are mainly office based, they also have the opportunity to go on site to see projects progress and being built first hand. Each apprentice is also mentored by an engineer and a technician and works with them on a day-to-day basis but, due to Arup’s unique culture where sharing knowledge and expertise is at the very heart of the business, staff at all levels support apprentices with their development.