Summer Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed working for Atkins in my placement due to the level of involvement I had and the willingness of the team to assist me and help me develop. I was able to work on a wide rang of projects within the highways sector and sample a broad range of tasks.

I was made to feel very welcome by my Colleagues, whether that was through assistance in the workplace or the jokes and conversations had. I was welcomed on the summer social which allowed me to get to know everyone better down the cricket ground. Everyone was very appreciative of my contribution and reminded me of the value my work had.

My manager was always willing to discuss and queries I had and this would often lead to a discussion into the context of my question and the industry - so I could get the most learning from the placement. My manager sat on the opposite side of the aisle to me so was always around to ask for work or guidance.

Understandably this fluctuated. My team actively tried to find work for me to do and there were times when I was very busy, having to prioritise tasks over the course of a week. During the quieter times I was given links to design standards to familiarise myself with while a graduate engineer helped me with a development report so I could start working towards chartership with the ICE.

Plenty. I was asked to take minutes at meetings, task technicians in other offices with producing drawings, being their point of contact for any queries, as well as working on some key project documents. I was stretched and challenged, I definitely felt like I was a key part of the team in contributing to project delivery.

In my next year of university I will undertake a highways design module, my work on highways schemes this summer will assist with knowledge and context. The organisational and communication practise provided by my placement will directly transfer to organising coursework and group projects. Having an awareness of how long tasks are expected to take at their outset is another skill I didn't really have before this placement that also assists in planning time, useful in both studies and work afterwards.

The office was a really nice environment. There was a good mix of age and gender leading to an inclusive atmosphere. The apprentices provided a good source of conversation in the office. Everyone was very approachable and would do their best to assist with any queries you might have. The office does a fantasy football league to get colleagues interacting.

Very well organised. Atkins provided a checklist at the start and end of the placement to ensure the important things were done. One of the apprentices ensured my computer was ready for me, ensuring I could start my induction straight away. Within a few days I was doing work of real value. During the placement I became a key member of the team and got involved in a wide variety of tasks with real responsibility such as minute taking, producing mark ups and communicating these to technicians and familiarise myself with standards to check work.

I was required to do a number of inductions by the company, including modules on asbestos and the importance of self checking. I was encouraged to write an ICE development report by a graduate engineer, which can be used towards my chartership, she made several recommendations during the production of this report. The company actively tried to provide me with work that would help my development and knowledge.

Atkins offers a wide rage of roles. I've worked with many people from apprentices through to contaminated ground specialists and quantity surveyors. These are based in UK wide offices. Atkins are currently working on a number of big, exciting projects. The company look to retain talent through their graduate programme and ultimately as assistant engineers and beyond.

Trowbridge is a small town and so limited. The main clubbing scene is Bath under 10 miles away (with a direct and regular train service). Trowbridge itself has a club, boutique, and a pub, the kings arms, that opens late with a part atmosphere. Many of the apprentices do go out on occasion and are very welcoming.

Due to the size of the office less so. The office does a number of socials throughout the year. I attended the summer social which was a BBQ at the local cricket ground, before a night out down the pub in town. Many people in the office are keen cyclists, with a good technical knowledge of bikes and routes around Trowbridge.