The High Speed Rail Group Apprentice Network is designed to connect apprentices and graduates from across our member companies and provide opportunities for mentoring, networking, meeting other apprentices and sharing experiences and best practice.
We spoke to Technician Apprentice Jakub Jakubiak.
Can you describe your role in a few words?
I am a Technician within infrastructure and development at SYSTRA, working on preliminary designs of a multitude of infrastructure projects using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs.
What were you doing prior to your Apprenticeship?
I was studying towards my GCSE’s at Minsthorpe Community College.
What was your perception of the infrastructure sector before you started your apprenticeship?
I thought it was an exciting sector doing work that impacted society in a real and positive way by providing important infrastructure that everyone could benefit from. Ultimately, I felt it was a career that was focused on the betterment of humanity.
What interested you in joining SYSTRA?
I had done some research and knew that SYSTRA was a key leader in the infrastructure and rail sector. I thought it was a well-respected company that accomplished the type of work I was interested in.
What are the key things you’ve learnt so far in your job?
I have now got over a year of technical experience in my role and have accomplished a wide range of work using professional software relevant to Civil Engineering in the Development and Infrastructure sector. I have gained experience in using CAD programs such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D, as well as experience with BIM and GIS software.
I have learnt to create visual maps in GIS programs, importing data and displaying it in different visual forms for the client. I am able to work with a wide range of data types and have competency in choosing the right means to represent it.
I have learnt to use CAD software well and have experience creating preliminary designs in CAD software. I am also able to perform detailed design with the guidance from more senior colleagues.
I have been trained to apply governmental regulations to a wide range of work. I am able to find and implement relevant regulations into my drawings and do so independently. I have gained good knowledge on how such regulations make my designs safer, including incorporating ‘safe by design’ features into my work.
What is the most exciting part of your role?
I enjoy working on designs that solve different challenges. I also enjoy being able to look into different scenarios and decide what the best ways to approach them will be, and then problem solving to achieve the required results through my designs.
Have you worked on the HS2 project through your apprenticeship?
No, though I may have the opportunity later down the line.
What would you like to do after completing your apprenticeship?
I will probably be looking into progressing onto a level 6 apprenticeship as well as looking for further opportunities to develop within the sector.