Adam Salum

How have your technical skills developed throughout your apprenticeship?

I have developed my modelling skills through learning how to use software like MicroStation, MIDAS Civil and more, to produce models of structures for analysis, checks and evaluations. I have built knowledge of the main engineering structural principles, like forces on a beam, and used that knowledge to conduct calculations for design checks. 

How have you grown personally through doing an apprenticeship?

I feel the main aspect of my life that has changed since I started my apprenticeship is my perception of time. Seeing everyone around me working to deadlines, pushing to meet targets and hit milestones, naturally pushes me to be considerate of the time I spend on a task, track progress and be more efficient once I have grasped a concept.

I have also developed in terms of communication as I have worked with, and have had to reach out to, people of different statuses within the business, and people from different countries and backgrounds. This has improved my interaction with others in terms of clarity, how to phrase emails and messages the best way to put my point or question across – this skill has really helped me in my day-to-day life. 

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

I would 100% encourage someone to do an apprenticeship. The main reason for me is the valuable experience you can attain at such a young age, that people years older than you do not have. I would also say to do as much research as possible regarding the specific field you want to get into, and use that to determine whether an apprenticeship would be the best thing for you to meet your career goals.  

Another important thing is to reach out to current apprentices as well through careers fairs and similar events to get more of an insight into what works best for you.  

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

For me, above anything it has to be the Connected Teams aspect of the company and the fact every day we get to work with engineers from all over the world focusing on the same projects, brainstorming and progressing together. Having that opportunity to travel city-to-city to different offices, and collaborating with and learning from other team members, makes SYSTRA a really great place to work. 

I would also say the fact our open plan offices are designed really well with collaboration in mind, means it is easier to work well as a team. There really is a community feeling to our workspaces – everyone can reach out to one another for support. 

SYSTRA is also very diverse and there is a lot to learn from people of different backgrounds and cultures. 

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

My favourite part is learning from different people and the mentoring I get from my team. Everyone is willing to share advice and give a helping hand. Developing my technical skills to then implement them, and seeing myself actively contributing to such major projects at such an early stage in my life, makes me even more determined to go further. 

Diversity is powerful. What unique perspective do you offer as an apprentice?

In a diverse company like SYSTRA, people have different individual perspectives. Our perspectives in the workplace are respected and valued, which is the basis of such positive collaboration with fellow colleagues at SYSTRA. As a young apprentice, I feel I am innovative, find new solutions to challenges and think differently. This is increasing the more I learn through new tasks and being involved in more projects. I am quite collaborative as well and like to support and encourage other young people with their career development. 

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

One of the main ways that a green future can be achieved is through refining the way we travel, and I think as a consultancy specialising in mobility, we have huge potential to find more sustainable transport solutions across the globe. SYSTRA is working very hard to achieve this already. 

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

It would be Muhammad Ali, the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. I am amazed a man with such humble beginnings possessed so much self-confidence, especially at a time where he faced so much adversity. He stood on his own and pushed for what he believed in, becoming more than just a boxing legend, as he became a global role model. 

What is your next big career goal?

My next career goal is to complete my Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and attain my IEng status, which would then lead me to aim for chartership.  

What excites you about your career future?

The opportunity to work in different disciplines and on large projects, and collaborating with talented engineers across the world to develop infrastructure and systems.