Trainee Geotechnical Engineer Review

I have really enjoyed my time with Atkins so far. Throughout my placement I have worked on a wide variety of projects from railway earthwork review to seepage analysis for flood alleviation schemes. I even had the chance to attend the Ground Engineering Academy fieldtrip all paid for by Atkins to meet graduates from the other offices in Atkins.

All of my colleagues are always happy to help with any queries I have. I am included into difficult decision making and I have attend meetings with clients and colleagues showing I am a valued member of the team. During team meeting I participate and everyone has made me feel welcome and valued.

My line manager and other senior members of the Ground Engineering Team have supported me throughout my time with Atkins so far. Whether I am having admin issues or need guidance on projects they are always more than happy to lend a hand. My line manager is always helpful and always spends time with me if I need extra guidance.

for the majority of my time on placement I have been busy working on a range of projects, every so often there is a day where I have been light on work however I used this time to develop my software skills or undertake training courses to learn new things and improve my awareness of the industry.

I have undertaken an active role in all projects I have been involved with. The reports I have originated have all been sent to clients or contractors showing the work I have been involved with is being used in the real world. I have been given lots of responsibility throughout my time, all work I do is checked and reviewed before being sent to clients.

The skills I have learnt regarding new software will be transferable when I return to university to complete my degree. The report writing styles and techniques will enable me to produce more professional reports for university. The real world experience has put what I learn at university into prospective and shown how the skills learnt at university transfer to real projects.

The atmosphere within the office was great. The Ground Engineering Team were extremely friendly and fun to work with. We undertook a 'Great British Bake Off' sweepstake meaning there was plenty of cake in the office in the run up to Christmas to raise money for charity. The team are great to work with making it fun to come to work.

From day 1 I was occupied with work and training programmes allowing my time so far with Atkins to be extremely valuable and productive. I have been invited to many events including the graduate field trip even though I'm not a graduate yet! So far everything has been well organised resulting in me having a great experience.

I completed many training programmes throughout my time, these included the induction training, software training and Atkins even funded me to undertake the CSCS test to allow me to visit sites. I undertook the companies very own QGIS School to become competent using the software. I am scheduled to undertake an IOSH course in the near future to improve my health and safety awareness.

I was awarded a bursary scheme with Atkins, this included an 8 week summer placement, a year in industry (which I am currently undertaking) and I am looking forward to coming back after I graduate from university. Atkins offers a very flexible working style and you can specialise in projects and subject areas you are interested in.

The company organise social events including nights out and activities including Ghetto Golf! Most socials are subsidised by Atkins making it affordable to attend. I also attended an all expenses paid trip to Birmingham with other graduates to visit HS2 and EWR sites. The Christmas party is scheduled soon which everyone is looking forward to!

I returned home from university to undertake my placement time with Atkins so living was cheap! the social events organised by Atkins are mostly subsidised making socialising with the team affordable and enjoyable. The office also have free fruit all week promoting a healthy lifestyle for all. Tea/Coffee is also paid for by Atkins making the office a great place to be!

The office I work at is Warrington, the nightlife in both Liverpool and Manchester is great with an almost endless list of clubs and pubs to attend. During several social events with work you can experience the night life in both cities as the socials are held in both to make it fair for everyone in the office regarding commuting.

The office organised social events outside of work including rounder's and nights out. There is a golf society where we attend our local driving range at lunchtimes, the cost of the driving range is even subsidised by the company! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with events and activities outside of work.