Arup: career development Q&A
Santina Bunting took the road less travelled, as the only one among 150 peers to choose a route into apprenticeships after her GCSEs. Santina’s journey highlights just how powerful parental support and apprenticeships can be when it comes to building a dream career.
Santina completed a Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship with distinction and is now in her second year of a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at Warwick University, contributing to major infrastructure projects worldwide in her role at Arup.
Santina’s career journey to date has earned numerous awards including the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year 2024. Santina works tirelessly as a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, working with government bodies and speaking at high-profile events to raise the profile of the often-overlooked career pathway, in the hope young workers and organisations alike will strengthen relationships through the unique apprentice-employer relationship. We caught up with Santina to discuss her achievements and career goals.
How would you summarise your experience as a woman apprentice in a male-dominated environment?
"Welcoming, exciting, and unexpected" are the three words I’d use to describe my experience as a woman apprentice in a male-dominated industry.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a team that includes many amazing women. My smaller team, for example, has five or six women, which is a refreshing reversal of the norm. However, I understand that this is not the case for everyone, as it largely depends on the employer and team dynamics.
From day one, I’ve never felt like I didn’t belong because of my gender. I’ve been made to feel welcome and valued from the very start. I describe my experience as "unexpected" because, while I had some knowledge about engineering, I was naïve about the extent of what I’d learn and the incredible opportunities that awaited me. It’s been thrilling to work on a diverse range of infrastructure projects—both nationally and internationally. One of the most surprising moments was being involved in a project based in Uganda!
What made you decide to follow this path?
My apprenticeship journey began at the age of 15. As a grammar school student I was heavily encouraged to follow the traditional A-levels-to-university route, but I didn’t feel fully informed about apprenticeships as a viable alternative.
Fortunately, my mother worked in education and was a strong advocate for apprenticeships long before they gained mainstream attention. With her encouragement, I conducted my own research and quickly discovered the immense benefits of this pathway.
One of the main attractions of an apprenticeship was the opportunity to continue my education—a passion of mine—while gaining practical, hands-on experience and earning a salary, all without accumulating debt. It was the perfect combination!
My interest in STEM subjects at school and my work experiences made it clear that engineering was my chosen field. I discovered my passion for problem-solving and creativity early on, even through activities like playing with Lego. In Year 8 I participated in the IET Faraday Challenge. My team came in first out of 450 schools, earning us a trip to Thorpe Park. This small but meaningful experience solidified my ambition to pursue engineering as a career.
By the time I completed my GCSEs, I was confident that I wanted to go straight into the workplace.
At 16, I started my Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship with Arup, a global engineering consultancy. I specialize in the ground engineering team, where I’ve been able to study part-time for a BTEC (equivalent to A-levels) while gaining practical experience in civil engineering.
How have you been supported to get where you are?
My mother has been my biggest supporter throughout my apprenticeship journey. She was the one who first introduced me to the idea – advocating for apprenticeships long before they were more widely recognised. Her encouragement allowed me to see the incredible advantages of this path. She’s always instilled in me the importance of education and hard work, which gave me the confidence to balance working a job while continuing my studies.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have had two amazing line managers during my apprenticeship. From the moment I joined the team, they welcomed me with open arms and provided unwavering support. The people around you have such a significant impact on your work enjoyment and professional growth, and I count myself lucky to have been placed in such a supportive team.
Even though I was the first apprentice my line manager had ever mentored, we tackled the journey together. She consistently pushed me to grow, ensured I managed everything effectively, and gave me the confidence to thrive. I’ll always be grateful for the strong foundation she helped me build in the corporate world.
What advice would you give to employers wanting to encourage more women into STEM apprenticeships?
Visibility is key to encouraging more women into STEM apprenticeships. When I started out, I didn’t know anyone in the role I aspired to, and I lacked a woman role model to look up to. Now, I strive to be the role model I wished I had.
Employers should highlight the stories and achievements of their women apprentices. People connect with people, so sharing these personal journeys can inspire others to follow suit.
Additionally, strategic outreach is vital. Partner with schools to offer work placement programs and invite students to visit your offices to gain insight into the industry. Letting staff members visit schools and share their experiences can also have a tremendous impact in raising awareness about STEM opportunities.
Who are your women role models in the industry?
For me, my line managers are my role models. They have decades of combined experience in the industry, and their journey demonstrates that hard work and determination truly pay off.
They’ve shown me that, regardless of gender, competence and dedication are what matter most. With these qualities, you can work on incredible projects, excel in your career, and find success in the industry.
Their kindness and support have had a profound impact on me, and I hope to pay that forward by inspiring and encouraging others in the same way they’ve inspired me.
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