Trainee Civil Engineer Review

by Balfour Beatty

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.5/10

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

I am a Contracts Engineer with Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering and therefore oversee projects from an engineering perspective. In my role I am directly involved in quality control, commercial management, procurement and project management.

10/10

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

Lots of new skills - I have learned a completely new industry. I have learned time management, attention to detail, communication skills, punctuality, commercial awareness and teamwork.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love my job. I am very grateful the programme has allowed me to work for a prestigious company within the construction industry and also the aspect of engineering that I have gone into. I think the only set back is being classed as a trainee for 7 years.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The communication between stages of the apprenticeship could be better. Lots of people tell you lots of different things and you end up sorting everything yourself. I think a dedicated apprentice "chaperone" would be useful, split into groups of 10 to liaise with that group their next stage.

6/10

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

Lots of support from the umbrella company I work in, not much from the wider business but then I don't ask for it as my colleagues and line managers offer good support.

8/10

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

Not sure who my training provider is.

1/10

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

The role is directly related to the study so very useful. I think being able to apply what I have learned on site to what we learn in the classroom and vice versa as the best way of learning for me.

8/10

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.)

Yeah plenty.

9/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

If you want to join Balfour Beatty as an engineer then there are not many other companies that provide you with the exposure BB do. You will get to work on some of the greatest engineering projects in Europe and also have opportunities to move around within the business.

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

Be yourself, be friendly, be willing to learn and show a passion for what you are interested in.