Role: Senior Technician Degree Apprentice

Career Area: Engineering Design 

Current Study Level: Degree Apprenticeship 

Location: York

My role at SYSTRA

I work within the Architecture team based in York. My role includes supporting the lead architects and technologists in tasks such as complex 3D modelling of structures, detailing component build-up of the building substructure and ensuring building regulations are met. 

The day-to-day tasks I am involved with vary between things such as designing an EV car charging canopy, to adding in tactile paving on station platforms in accordance with building regulations. 

My main objective is to manage smaller packages of work assigned to me by the design leads to help take pressure away from their workload.  

Why I chose a degree apprenticeship

Prior to my degree apprenticeship I was on a day release apprenticeship to Leeds College of Building studying the Built Environment which transitioned nicely into my Architectural Technology degree apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University.  

I chose to undertake a degree apprenticeship, and my previous day release studies, with SYSTRA as I learn better when practically working on something as opposed to more traditional methods such as lecture study; I chose architecture specifically as there is the opportunity to be artistic and create a unique space for people to use. Jumping straight into 3D modelling software and being free to play around when I first started suited the way I learned more as I could see and understand the space and building on my screen and visually solve any problems that came up.  

We asked Jaden…
How have your technical skills developed throughout your apprenticeship?

I would say my technical knowledge towards specific things has developed throughout my apprenticeship, for example my knowledge on certain aspects of the building regulations when having to make adjustments across various models and drawings. The knowledge sticks! 

How have you grown personally through doing an apprenticeship?

I’ve learned to manage my personal time and life better. I learned this by having to pull various long nights to meet University deadlines. 

What advice would you offer to someone who’s unsure if an apprenticeship is right for them?

I would ask them to consider if they could find the workload manageable. Earning an income while studying is great but since there is a higher workload some of your own time will need to be sacrificed. 

How does SYSTRA stand out as a great place to work?

SYSTRA offers national and international projects which provides a wide breadth of experience. There is also great apprentice support networks and STEM opportunities. 

What’s your favourite thing about your job right now?

Probably being able to work on international projects that are ambitious – these projects offer unique experiences to work with other teams that are a part of SYSTRA globally.

What would an entirely green future look like? How should our industry contribute?

A green future would involve designing with the environment in mind. Can we design out problems such as overheating? The need for heating? Too little or too much light? I believe a lot of these key issues can be solved in the design phase in which we work.  

You can spend your lunchbreak with anyone you admire – who would you choose?

Great question! However, on my lunch break I like time to myself to eat. 

What is your next big career goal?

Chartership – I’m currently working on being chartered with the CIOB (Charted Institute of Builders) as they are the accrediting body of my apprenticeship. However, after completing that I am going to go for MCIAT with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. 

What excites you about your career future?

Being able to work on cutting edge projects that are coming in while using the latest software for computer modelling and simulation. 

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