27 February 2018
More than 350 graduates and apprentices have kick-started their design, engineering and project management careers after joining Atkins. The new intake represents the company’s highest ever proportion of female graduates and apprentices.
The 272 graduates and 84 apprentices will be based at offices around the UK, working across a range of disciplines – from mechanical, electrical and civil engineering through to surveying and project management – and various markets, including energy, transport, infrastructure and defence. Atkins’ infrastructure division remains the largest recruiter with 90 graduates and 27 apprentices. The gender ratio of this year’s graduate and apprentice intakes are the highest they’ve ever been, with 31 per cent of graduates and 21 per cent of apprentices being female.
Nick Roberts, Atkins’ chief executive officer, UK & Europe, said: “Graduates and apprentices will be our leaders and visionaries of tomorrow, helping to shape our rapidly-changing and increasingly digitally-enabled world, and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible. I can’t think of a more exciting time to begin a career in design, engineering and project management.
“Although we must not underestimate the challenge that we still face in ensuring our workforce is both talented and diverse, I’m proud to see that the steps we’ve taken to recruit a more diverse early careers workforce have shown a positive impact.”
Jenny Willbourn, graduate at Atkins, said: “I joined Atkins as a graduate because of our reputation as market leaders and the ingenuity, knowledge and dedication of our staff. What I like about the scheme is that we’re quickly treated as part of the team. There has been a huge range of opportunities for me and there’s enough flexibility for everyone to shape the direction of their own graduate development. I’d recommend the graduate scheme to anyone who wants to jump right in and develop their knowledge for their chosen field.”
Millie Coombes, apprentice at Atkins, said: “I really enjoy being an apprentice in the engineering industry. I get a lot of support from very experienced colleagues at Atkins and have obtained a lot of knowledge that I feel I would struggle to gain elsewhere, alongside having the opportunity to study and attain formal qualifications. I am always provided with challenging work which helps me to progress my knowledge and ability quickly whilst gaining confidence in myself.
“I would advise other young people, particularly females, to undertake an apprenticeship due to the growing reputation of apprentices in the workplace. The industry is definitely becoming more receptive to young individuals with a desire to learn and apprenticeships foster this by presenting opportunities to study at degree level upon entry. Experience is a key factor in employability and nothing can prepare you more at a young age than experience gained in the workplace which is why apprenticeships are so valuable.”
