Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

by Balfour Beatty

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I mainly do design checks for temporary works to make sure that they are suitable. I also do a lot of foundations work which includes pricing and designing. I work on a large range of projects across the country.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Balfour Beatty regularly provide me with courses to attend. This has included a drive safe course, presentation and communication skills etc. The apprenticeship has helped improve my professional attitude and has matured me significantly.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I think this programme is interesting and engaging. I feel integrated within my team and am enjoying my time with the company. It has exceeded my expectations and I genuinely enjoy coming into work.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Sometimes the uni forget that we only study on mondays, but apart from that there is no problem. I have been assigned a mentor at work and at uni. The programme has allowed me to learn a significant amount in a short amount of time.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I am in constant contact with my manager, we have weekly meetings to check up. There is plenty of support available through my mentors - and there is plenty of people at work who I am comfortable to reach out for support

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The tutor I have from the uni is incredible, hes lovely and very supportive. The lecturers can sometimes be a bit vague and I feel like they dont 100% understand the apprenticeship programme. The qualification is interesting to me so I enjoy it in that aspect - but it is not very engaging

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

There is a significant amount of correlation between my university and my job. They play hand in hand a lot - so things I learn at uni I use at work and vise-versa. My knowledge of the industry seems to grow daily.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

At work I believe there is clubs but they have stopped due to COVID. I go on a walk at lunchtime with my colleagues and we usually go climbing weekly. In my spare time I play football 3 times a week and also volunteer at a local cubs unit.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The work is genuinely interesting and there is a lot of potential for site visits! You receive support from everyone , no one cares how many questions you ask. Its a nice environment to work in and the people are lovely.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?

Apply for work experience if possible, it will help with your interview but also give you an idea if the sector is for you. Ask as many questions as you can - its the best way to learn. Don't be afraid to make mistakes! In your interview remain calm and just be yourself, employers want a bit of personality! Detail everything that you do/have done - it might appeal in some way!