Why an apprenticeship at AtkinsRéalis was my best career decision

Join me as I share how my apprenticeship at AtkinsRéalis shaped my career and success.

I'm Matt, an Associate Director in the Project and Programme Services team at AtkinsRéalis. My Career Journey started in 2013 at the age of 19. I had finished college and had three options: keep working in retail, go to university, or join AtkinsRéalis. For me, there was one clear route I wanted to go down: the apprentice route. I was initially attracted by the lure of no student debt. But it also meant that after I finished university, I would come out with a degree and five years of experience.

How to apply for an engineering apprenticeship?

I applied to AtkinsRéalis as an apprentice project manager. I was lucky enough to make it to the second round, where I took part in group challenges followed by individual interviews with the Project Management team. Even at the beginning of my journey, during the interview process, I was starting to identify and develop my problem-solving, communication, and time-management strengths. Read all about our selection process.

Engineering apprenticeships with university study

I was on a day-release apprenticeship programme, attending Birmingham City University one day a week. I spent my first two years studying towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in construction and the following three years working towards my BSc. Although I was in Project Management, the team felt that a Quantity Surveying degree would give me a broader understanding of buildability and contracts. Early on, I realised that combining work and study gave me transferable skills that went beyond my function at the time and were valued across different roles and industries. Browse our different apprenticeships.

Earn and learn in project management!

What truly makes apprenticeships unique is the 'earn and learn' concept. It gave me a clear advantage. I could apply what I was learning at university to real-world projects. That, in turn, boosted my coursework and grades while helping me gain the expertise that continues to benefit me today. Check out these rewards and benefits!

Achieving a degree through an apprenticeship

I achieved a first-class degree with honors in Quantity Surveying, a remarkable achievement I don't think would have been possible without the apprenticeship route, my line manager and the team around me. The apprenticeship also allowed me to begin my chartership immediately after university, which was a real bonus. With the relevant experience already under my belt, I started my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) diary and embarked on my chartership journey. Two years after finishing university, I sat my APC panel and became a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The apprenticeship prepared me for our fast-evolving industry, teaching me to be adaptable, to continually learn, and to confidently approach challenges. These capabilities ultimately helped me become a Senior Project Manager and then Associate Director in just three years! Discover more inspiring apprentice stories.

Engineering apprenticeships with project experience

While at university, I was lucky enough to work on a variety of amazing projects, from retail to education. One that stands out as a career highlight is working on Woodcote Grove, the home of AtkinsRéalis in Epsom. Being involved in such a large-scale project while at university was incredibly beneficial, as it allowed me to see how the concepts I was learning in class were applied in the real world. I also felt proud to give back to the organization that had supported me so much. It was an unforgettable learning experience and a fantastic project. To this day, I consider Woodcote Grove a key milestone in my career, and I'm proud to have contributed to it. It's one of the many projects during my apprenticeship that taught me brilliant skills that will serve me for life, no matter what role I take on. Ask our current apprentices about their project experiences.

Why choose an apprenticeship in engineering?

I'm often asked, 'Would you recommend the apprenticeship route?' and 'Was it worth it?' My answer to both is unequivocally yes! There's no better way to learn or go through university. The experience gained from working at AtkinsRéalis while studying is invaluable—it helps connect academic work with on-the-job application. Plus, you're getting paid to go to university and work at the same time, finishing with no student debt and five years of experience with a global company. On completing your degree, the opportunities with AtkinsRéalis are endless. The apprenticeship route offers more than just qualifications—it provides practical industry experience and competencies to help you thrive throughout your career. More solid reasons to choose an apprentice with us.

My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship? Just do it. You won't regret it. Scroll down to browse all the apprenticeship roles available in my team.