Traffic Management and Permitting Apprentice Review

My role consists of raising permits for roadworks and making sure that all permits are accurate and legal. This involves, raising and registering permits, making sure that permits are started and stopped within 2 hours of works starting and stopping. Furthermore, I help my colleagues with looking after permits and checking when the council has sent through comments on permits and answering them or sending them to colleagues

I have received a few qualifications whilst working here so far. I have managed to get my mental health first aider qualification. I have completed the mandatory courses of CITB health and safety awareness courses as well as a safe driving course. Personally, I have developed my confidence more. By becoming more comfortable in my role, and as I get to know my colleagues and company better, I am more comfortable. I have developed my communication skills by speaking to people inside and outside of the organisation. I have developed my organisation and time management skills through work and college.

Apart from some issues I have had with a certain colleague, the support and opportunities I have received from everyone has been amazing. I have managed to fit it better than I thought I would especially since I finished college and have came into a fast-pace work environment, in a role which I have not had any experience in before. The team is really supportive and I am very comfortable working here. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived, but the amount of opportunities I have been given so far is amazing. I really enjoy working here.

Considering we are experience a pandemic and have had to adapt to new situations quite rapidly, the programme is really well structured and I feel like I have the support from not only my office but the apprenticeship scheme as well. College has been really supportive with balancing out work with college work as well. I have regular meetings with my mentor and buddy every month to discuss any issues or any positive things we want to discuss.

I have received a lot of support from my line manager. We do not have as regular meetings compared to my Mentor, but I know that if I have any issues or problems or if i have something positive to express, I can speak to my line manager. My mentor has been amazing, We have set up regular meetings every 2 weeks and we discuss what I would like to achieve during and after the apprenticeship. We also speak about different opportunities I can do during my apprenticeship to get any experience needed. Everyone is really positive in supporting me to get that good working life especially since I have a history of bad mental health where they are supportive in accommodating to my needs.

I have recently just had a new tutor as my previous tutor has left. We have had one college meeting so I am still getting used to my new tutor, but so far she seems really supportive. I know how to contact her if needed. She has helped me with any outstanding tasks that I need to complete. I like my college course that I am doing but my struggle is find that balance where I can do my role and not fall behind in college and vice versa. Both college and my work have been really supportive and we have dedicated two mornings a week to just focus on my college work.

I have learnt a lot of knowledge from my college course so far. For example, looking into different legislations which has made me look further into my companies policies and legislation. Through learning these, I have a better understanding of the organisation and can apply this throughout my role. I have looked further into the ways that my company works and what they expect of me. I have looked into different roles that I do not do like procurement and I have learnt how they affect the company.

At the moment, there has been only one extra-curricular activity I have been apart of and that's the Biggest Loser, Best Improver healthy eating scheme where everyone (if they want) takes part in a competition to see who can lose the most weight (in a healthy way) and who has changed their lifestyle the most. This is a way to show the positives between healthy eating which has so far been a good thing to be apart of. As an apprentice, we have the opportunity to complete the Brathay Challenge where we compete with different regions and complete a week of teamworking which I am going to be apart of. Furthermore, I have been given the opportunity to complete the gold Duke of Edinburgh award which I am thinking of doing. I am hoping that once we come out of the current pandemic, there will be more opportunities like this within my office

Yes

Simply through how many different roles there are at Balfour Beatty and what you can do and learn to do. There are skills that I didn't know I could develop any further than I have. The support has been amazing and if there are any problems, they try and resolve them. You don't have to just stick to one thing, you can do a lot

Always say yes to any opportunity, even if it is something you think you wouldn't like, say yes and give it and go. Don't be afraid to ask for help, working here can be stressful and fast paced, especially if you have just came straight from college like I have and this is your first proper job. Be open-minded and stay positive! Safety is one of the biggest things at BB so stay safe as well !