Reigate College Alumna Shanice Ali and her colleagues played host to sixteen of our Computing and Business students on Monday. Designed to offer a taste of life as an apprentice at AtkinsRéalis, they headed into the company’s offices in London for a full day’s work experience.

As well as a presentation on the company and its opportunities, our students tried out the new ‘Lava Lab’ – a room that uses the latest technology to help clients fully immerse themselves in the company’s projects. Our would-be apprentices then worked in small teams to brainstorm what makes an ‘ideal apprentice’ then pitched their ideas in the style of the show The Apprentice. To round things off, students jotted down any questions on post-it notes, which helped to help combat any nerves when raising things they wanted to ask.

Shanice said, “I genuinely hope the students found the day informative and helpful, and gained a better insight into AtkinsRéalis and the apprenticeship route into work. I’m having a brilliant time here as a Level 6 Degree Apprentice in Project Management and it’s great to be able to support and welcome in potential applicants for next year’s roles!”

Reigate College’s Work Experience Lead Sarah-Louise Ford said, “Insights visits like these really help our students with UCAS personal statements and apprenticeship applications.  Taking students into industry develops their understanding of the range of roles that are out there and provides a close-up encounter of the world of work. A massive thanks to Shanice and all her colleagues at AtkinsRéalis for giving so many Reigate College students such a valuable opportunity.”

AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organisation.