ADS&T apprentices don't make photocopies. They work on exciting emerging technologies across mission-critical industries while helping to shape the future.
James and Oscar study project management, working as Project Controls Officers (PCO) in Security, Intelligence and Governance (SIG). Tash is also a project management student but works in our Transformation, Delivery and Consulting department.
What did you study at school?
James: I did A-level Mathematics, Economics and Physical Education.
Oscar: I began my Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (BTEC).
Tash: I studied Business, Economics and History at A-Level, a good blend of analytical writing and business understanding.
What made you decide to do an Apprenticeship?
James: During my final few years at school, I started researching further education pathways and discovered apprenticeships. In my eyes, what I could gain out of an apprenticeship far outweighed what I'd get from university.
Not only would I get to study and obtain a degree, but alongside this, the opportunity to develop within the organization, gaining valuable skills and experience while networking with market-leading individuals to further my knowledge.
Oscar: I learn quickest by 'doing' the task rather than learning theory. I've found that just learning and revising ideas has rarely developed a deep-rooted knowledge of the study for me. The apprenticeship route allows me to learn on the job, applying my professional development to my studies.
Tash: Gaining experience in the workplace while studying for a degree was the best way to start my career. I'm already applying some of the skills I've learnt and have built a network of like-minded people. By studying for a degree in project management, I can learn skills to use in my current role to help me work towards my chartership.
Why did you decide to join ADS&T?
James: Aerospace, Defence, Security and Technology are four completely different sectors, all within one division, ADS&T. This variety provides the opportunity for me to experience a whole range of roles and projects. I'm developing insight into how different sectors deliver projects, communicate with clients and run day-to-day tasks. Together it gives me the best knowledge and understanding to help me make an informed decision on where I'd like to take my career.
How does ADS&T support you to manage personal interests and work?
Tash: We have an internal network called Yammer that has sites covering a range of employee interests. I enjoy sea and inland sailing, so I've joined the sailing Yammer group. We're very much encouraged to talk about our out-of-work interests with colleagues, and it's great to be part of a network of people that share the same passions as me.
Recruiting new apprentices is another of my interests. ADS&T has supported this by letting me present at a career fair at my old school. I was proud to represent the organization and promote both engineering and project management degree apprenticeships.
Isn't it daunting to join such a big organization as an Apprentice?
James: When I joined Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, the social aspect of work immediately struck me. Everyone is extremely friendly and always willing to have a chat. There is always something going on, such as coffee mornings or evening meals, where we get the chance to have some time away from work and socialize with other employees from across the organization.
There are also much larger events throughout the year. Most of the office or department will get together at summer or winter parties to enjoy each other's company away from the office.
This social side of work has helped me integrate into different teams as it allows you to get to know people personally and feel settled, making it easier to collaborate on tasks or projects.
How is your diversity valued at ADS&T?
Oscar: As I write, it's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) month here. Atkins is using this month to highlight how everyone, no matter the person, should feel included and comfortable to be their true selves at work.
Atkins has made it clear how they're trying hard to imbed inclusivity into our culture. Apart from the fact that it's the right thing to do, diverse people can make a difference together. We bring a huge array of amazing, fresh, and innovative concepts.
What projects are you involved in at the moment?
James: I work across two projects as PCO, with my primary responsibilities being organizing cost models and timesheet data. I ensure the data is accessible for all involved before helping to create Project Summary Reports to keep both projects running according to monthly forecasts.
One of my main challenges is that I'm still new to this role and must learn the systems and processes needed to complete tasks. So, each month, when I receive the financial data, I must ensure its accuracy. Occasionally this may not be the case, and my challenge is to find where the error has occurred and how to fix it.
Oscar: I'm currently working on a couple of big projects as PCO for one of our confidential clients in the SIG market. My main challenge is making sense of the data on the screen. Many of the spreadsheets I am working with are massive, with huge tables full of numerical data, and it can be overwhelming to the untrained eye.
Currently, I'm scouring timesheet data and updating the project cost models, which shows how our resources' time is being used. I'll create reports for the project manager to update them on key aspects that will influence decision-making.
Tash: I'm involved in the Apprentice Challenge this year. It's an internal project, and my team's brief is to embed the non-financial benefits of social value within ADS&T. My role within the challenge is project manager, making sure the project runs on time and successfully.
I'm proud of the tangible impact our social value project is making. Social value is now worth 10% of bids for government contracts, so it will help Atkins to win more government bids. And, depending on the initiative we choose, it will have a real impact on society.
Our Early Careers' opportunities are open. Read more about our Apprenticeship Scheme and get started on your application.
LINKS
Atkins
Read more about our Apprenticeship Scheme and get started on your application.
https://careers.snclavalin.com/atkins-early-careers/apprenticeships
