Declan Robinson – Case Study
Employer: ARUP
Job Title: Mechanical Apprentice
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Engineering Design & Draughtsperson Standard
Why did you decide to follow the route of an Apprentice Engineer?
I discovered my true passion for engineering in High School and since then considered numerous pathways of which I could achieve my goals of working within engineering. In this time, I explored a number of different discipline options and chose subjects in Years 10 & 11 that allowed me to explore this (mainly surrounding mechanical/electrical engineering and graphic design). It was in this time I began to explore my abilities in using 3D design software and how this could be used within the engineering sector. From then, I set out to explore any career options possible and what was needed to get there. I progressed on to completing a Level 3 Mechanical Engineering qualification at college (full-time) and nearing the end of the 2-year course I decided it better suited my learning style to follow the Apprenticeship route as opposed to full-time university. This decision suited me best as it would allow me to gain real world experience whilst working alongside some experienced engineers as well as gaining a number of technical qualifications by completing a competence-based portfolio and part-time Level 4 HNC. This also allowed me to make further developments in my general life as from an earlier age it helped me understand the responsibilities of other life skills such as budgeting, taxes, mortgages, time management and endless other skills. Another huge benefit to being employed under an Apprenticeship scheme, is the ability to progress through the company grades which comes with a number of benefits a sole University course cannot offer (particularly for myself, the ability to get onto the property ladder at a younger age).
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
A typical day in the work place depends on what interesting project I have been assigned to at the time. Within the MEICA team at ARUP, we work across a vast set of disciplines and projects. Due to this, no day is ever really the same; however, my main involvement of projects usually comes in the form of producing and managing BIM models as well as producing technical documents and drawings to support them. I have worked on a range of different projects that can be anywhere from pumping station to large scale steam plant. Whilst I predominantly work within the mechanical aspects, due to the nature of the job, I also sometimes work alongside other teams as a multidisciplinary BIM technician supporting structural and civil teams which has helped me develop and greater appreciation for the full design of a project. I would suggest any Apprentice to spend some time working across as many disciplines as possible in some sense to gain a greater understanding of the full project cycle.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
There are many things I enjoy about my job for example the constant learning and being surrounded by many experienced engineers who are full of knowledge and willing to share it. As well as this, I also enjoy having the ability to freely explore new interests and software that may be useful within our team and then bringing them to light and sharing my own knowledge with those less experienced in this area. Working with BIM models also allows me to further my development as an engineer. I come across many problems which need to be solved and it keeps the mind very active to find new ways of working or new equipment that may better suit a specific site or project and then modelling this for use visually in a 3D environment as well as using VR processes (when projects allow for it).
How did your STEGTA Training Officer and Employer support you throughout your Apprenticeship?
Throughout my Apprenticeship, the support from both my employer and Training Officer has been pivotal in the completion my Apprenticeship. While it does present some challenges in learning, to balance and manage completing assignments alongside a further university course and a full working week, it is however an extremely rewarding experience and I would suggest this route to anyone with an active interest in the industry. It allows you to be exposed and experience things that wouldn’t be possible any other way.
How has your role developed since starting at ARUP?
Since joining ARUP, my role has developed in numerous ways. For the first 4 years of my career I primarily worked on the design of a large steam project delivering 127t/hour of steam within an existing and active site. At the start, I was tasked with working on 2D drawing markups for project P&ID’s, this soon then developed into working within the 3D Revit model and then progressed further into being the main BIM technician on the project which allowed me to be more self sufficient in my work and manage my own workload/take responsibility for what I produced. Around 18 months into the project, I was then named as the M&E CAD manager for the final reference design and detail design stages which was a big but welcomed responsibility. I then saw this project through to the end which ended recently at which point I then moved onto another project undertaking similar responsibility and sharing my knowledge with newer members where possible
Do you hope to progress to any further training/higher education?
Since completing my Level 3 Apprenticeship, I have also completed a Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering which allowed me to also obtain EngTech status within the IMechE. I am also currently enrolled on a Level 5 HND in Mechanical Engineering course and am working towards completing this as it the next step towards me completing my BEng in Mechanical Engineering. Following this, I also aim to work towards being chartered under the IMechE as well as potentially a Masters Degree dependent upon the situation at the time and my career progression.