Choosing an apprenticeship with purpose - my journey

I’m sharing how my apprenticeship at AtkinsRéalis helped me build in‑demand skills, gain real‑world experience, and kick‑start a meaningful engineering career with purpose.

I’m Hugo, and my apprenticeship at AtkinsRéalis has given me the chance to build my future while working on projects that matter. 

When I finished college, I knew I wanted to learn, grow and make a real impact from the very start of my career. I wasn’t looking for a traditional route. I wanted something that combined hands‑on experience with the opportunity to keep studying and developing as an engineer. 

That’s exactly what I found at AtkinsRéalis. My apprenticeship lets me earn, contribute to meaningful work and gain the skills that are shaping my journey ahead. 

Why I chose an apprenticeship — and why here 

Like anyone starting out, I explored my options. Going straight into work made me worry I’d miss out on future study opportunities. An apprenticeship felt like the right balance with a recognised degree, real experience and a salary from day one. 

AtkinsRéalis stood out because of the scale and purpose of its work. I saw projects in transport, energy, cities and sustainability that aligned with what matters to me. I want to help improve everydaylife while tackling climate change and supporting a more sustainable future.

The culture also made an impression. During the application process, the focus wasn’t only on grades. Potential, curiosity and mindset mattered too. It showed me that different backgrounds are valued here and that early careers talent is taken seriously.

 

What a typical week looks like for me

No two weeks are identical, but I’ve found a rhythm that helps me balance work, study and life. 

On project days, I might be: 

• Assisting with design and digital models 
• Helping prepare reports or data 
• Joining meetings with engineers, designers and project managers
• Visiting sites to see how plans turn into reality 

On study days 

I focus on my degree work. AtkinsRéalis gives me protected time for lectures, assignments and revision, and my manager helps me plan so university deadlines and project work don’t clash. 

The balance can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. What I learn at university makes more sense when I apply it on live projects. The challenges I face at work make my studies feel more relevant and engaging.

Learning from experts and being trusted early 

I didn’t expect to be trusted with responsibility so quickly. At first, I supported with smaller tasks and had my work checked closely. As my confidence and skills grew, I began taking ownership of pieces of work and sharing my ideas in meetings. Seeing how my input contributes to real decisions is hugely motivating. 

I’m supported by a line manager who guides my development, colleagues who are always happy to help, mentors who review my work and an early careers community I can connect with. This support helps me stretch myself without feeling like I have to know everything immediately. 

Belonging to a team and seeing my impact 

Joining a large organisation could have been intimidating, but I quickly felt part of the team. My colleagues involve me in meaningful work, ask for my views and celebrate progress together. I realised early on that my contribution matters, even as an apprentice.

One of the things I value most is seeing the impact of what I do. I work in multidisciplinary teams that help improve transport, strengthen infrastructure and support lowcarbon solutions. Knowing that my work affects how people live, travel and work gives me a strong sense of purpose.

Growing skills for the long term 

I didn’t choose an apprenticeship just for the next few years. I wanted a strong foundation for a longterm career.

Through my role, I’m building technical engineering and digital skills, as well as communication, teamwork and problemsolving abilities. I’m also gaining an understanding of how complex projects are delivered safely and sustainably.

Regular development conversations help me think about where I might go next. I could specialise in a particular discipline, gain experience across different sectors or work toward professional accreditation. This apprenticeship feels less like a first job and more like the start of a journey with many possible paths.

Looking after balance and wellbeing 

Balancing work, study and life takes practice. I’ve had to learn how to manage my time, prioritise tasks and ask for help when I need it. 

It makes a big difference knowing my wellbeing is taken seriously. I can speak openly with my manager about workload, use flexible working where possible and access wellbeing resources and early careers support. That helps me stay motivated, even during busy periods.

My message to future apprentices 

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, my advice is simple: “An apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity that if you can get one is always worth it.” 

My tips for anyone thinking about applying:

• Stay curious and ask questions
• Be yourself and value your experiences
• Be prepared to work hard because the balance can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it

Most importantly, don’t rule yourself out. If you want to make a difference and build a career with purpose, an apprenticeship could be the path that opens that door. 

Ready to build a career with purpose? Start your apprenticeship journey with AtkinsRéalis today. 
Link:  Apprentices – Careers at AtkinsRéalis