As you near the end of your engineering studies, the question of what comes next may be on your mind.
Graduate schemes offer a promising path forward, yet with so many options available across diverse sectors and companies, it’s hard to know what the perfect fit for you would be.
Let us introduce you to Spencer.
In 2017, Spencer proudly earned his degree and joined AtkinsRéalis shortly after. In just a year, he grew from a new graduate to a confident engineer with invaluable experience. In this blog, he gives six reasons why he has never looked back on his decision to join us.
1. So much room for development
I've worked on a number of exciting projects at Atkins Réalis, but my first project was particularly memorable: developing a “stabling” strategy for railway vehicles for a Train Operating Company (TOC).
The challenge was working with varying capacity requirements, locations, operating restrictions, and service routes to determine the best solution.
I was also responsible for developing the infrastructure safety log, leading the periodic review process, and creating specific dashboards to communicate risks. I presented these in weekly meetings to improve safety awareness and culture.
At the end of the project, I coauthored the stabling strategy report which I presented directly to the client. Working on this extremely challenging project gave me a thorough understanding of train planning principles combined with engineering limitations.
2. You won’t get pigeonholed
At AtkinsRéalis, you can follow your interests and learn many different skills through a formal two-year training programme. I feel I’m being shaped and developed into a well-rounded chartered transport engineer. I’ve had opportunities to:
i) Create innovative digital tools
With Excel and VBA coding, I developed an automatic tool to analyze platform extension requirements using surveyed data. This included signal positions, train lengths, and minimum signal stand-back distances to determine railway vehicles’ compatibility. The tool made a huge difference to our programme’s productivity and efficiency.
ii) Get experience in safety engineering
I developed an Engineering Safety Assurance Plan that integrated the latest construction regulations with the client’s safety management system and Network Rail’s Standards. This plan was adopted by all project members to effectively control hazards and ensure compliance with control processes when tendering to external suppliers.
I also had the opportunity to take part in several track and infrastructure inspections, personally identifying potential hazards and areas for improvement. Completing the Personal Track Safety (PTS) & Industry Common Induction (ICI) Sentinel site safety training further deepened my commitment to safety. When developing associated works package plans and briefing sheets, I ensured they complied with the relevant safety management systems.
iii) Take on great responsibility
While working for an external client, I was appointed as the Route Proving Lead. As part of the role, I was responsible for the delivery process and programme. This encompassed the coordination and management of engineering, train planning, operations and safety facets. In addition, I presented this work to the business assurance panel for sign-off.
iv) Encouraged to win business
I recently contributed to the introduction of a new railway fleet for a Train Operating Company. During this project, I identified another operator’s upcoming plan for an £800m investment in a new fleet within the franchise. Recognizing the similar engineering challenges and potential for involvement, I informed AtkinsRéalis of this opportunity, highlighting its potential as a significant revenue stream for the company.
v) Work closely with important clients
I helped a major client in obtaining a certification for a novel on-track plant machine ahead of the Easter blockade deadline. Working side-by-side with the client, we demonstrated regulatory compliance and secured the required certificate. By exceeding the client’s expectations, we won additional work to obtain a further certification for the machine and other on-track plant equipment.
3. A culture to grow and succeed
When I joined AtkinsRéalis, I immediately enjoyed the supportive work culture. Everyone has time to help and listen to questions.
i) Plenty of support for new grads
There are many different programmes and groups in place for new graduates. In my first year, I particularly appreciated the ‘Buddy’ scheme, where more experienced graduates helped us settle in and manage our placements. This year, I’ve signed up as a buddy myself and have also been helping to expand the existing Graduate Development Programme. We’ve added a site visit to an operational rail depot, aiming to immerse the team within an operational railway environment, adding real experience to what they’ve learned in theory.
ii) Open to new ways of working
We’re always encouraged to be proactive. Taking the initiative, I wanted to see what I could do to prevent unintentional silo-working – where separate teams work toward the same objectives without sharing information. I developed a new, restructured organizational chart and a visualization process, which the teams were enthusiastic to try out. I’m pleased to say it has resulted in greater continuity and improved collaboration between teams.
4. You can make your own opportunities
Working at AtkinsRéalis, it’s really important NOT to keep your nose down and mind your own business! I’ve found that you can pick up opportunities by networking and meeting other employees. We’re encouraged to be proactive and get involved internally and externally, which often results in creating something new and worthwhile:
i) The Railway Challenge
In 2018, we took part in a competition against other companies and universities to design and manufacture a narrow-gauge locomotive that met specific criteria, including ride comfort, noise, and regenerative capability. I served as the mechanical lead on this complex project, which brought together team members with expertise in mechanical, systems, electronic, and electrical engineering backgrounds. Our teamwork was incredible - we pooled previous experiences such as data analysis, CAD modeling, and dynamic fatigue modeling. It was great fun and we all developed our skills through the experience. I aim to continue providing support for next year’s entrants!
5. Working with people who want to make a difference
At AtkinsRéalis, we’re proud to know that our work makes a difference to our world. So giving back to communities is very important to us and we all get two days of leave a year to dedicate to charitable activities.
As one of the company’s STEM ambassadors, I actively participate in community events to get young people at local schools excited about STEM subjects. I’ve also taken part in several Derby Railway Engineering Society and Young Railway Professionals seminars and presentations, as well as representing the company on an Institution of Mechanical Engineers technical tour to Utrecht.
6. We have plenty of fun
Life on our Graduate Development Programme is not just about growing professionally. The company emphasizes personal development and just having fun. We have a very active social calendar, with everything from nights out and fun days to our great annual summer and ski trips.
We all have very full lives outside of work and AtkinsRéalis respects and supports that. Flexible working is very important to our work culture and that means I can find the time to do the things I enjoy. In my spare time, I volunteer as a canoe and kayak coach, with a particular interest in white water paddling. I also hold a Pilot’s Licence and enjoy flying powered aircraft.
Are you looking to make your next career move?
If you’re left feeling inspired after hearing about Spencer’s journey, why not find out how you can start progressing your own career on our graduate development programme?
With a focus on both professional and personal development, our programme offers the perfect blend of hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
We understand that navigating the application process can be challenging, so make sure to check out how our selection process works.
Alternatively, if you'd like to hear more stories like Spencer's, explore our early careers content for more real-life success stories and valuable career advice to help you when making that all-important next step.
Your future starts here.
Since publishing this article, Spencer has moved onwards in his career journey, the team at AtkinsRéalis wishes him every success in his future.
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