Apprentice Solutions Analyst Review

My day to day work includes working within a team who are responsible for the day to day maintenance of the Office 365 suite. This includes but is not limited to MS Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, Power Automate and Power Apps. We work to resolve current issues as well as on projects to further the digitisation of business processes.

Before working with Balfour Beatty I had never worked with the Power Platform (Power Automate / Power Apps). Since starting in August 2020 I have developed my knowledge where I have independently been able to attain Microsoft's Power Platform Fundamentals Certification. I have also furthered my existing knowledge with Office 365 as well as increased my knowledge of both the Construction Industry as well as how an It team works within a business.

I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty. I have had the opportunity to work on exciting, interesting and high profile projects. The ethos throughout the company is one of helping each other, too, this makes working very enjoyable. The training with QA has also been enjoyable and has provided many opportunities for me to expand my knowledge - even though it is delivered remotely.

The programme is very well organised. I have a clear road map of SCQF Level 6 > SCQF Level 8 > Degree Level, if I want to progress that far. This is all facilitated by the Emerging Talent team. If I would like to do anything extracurricular outside of that I can get in touch with the Emerging Talent team and see what they can do to facilitate or help me.

The support I receive from my employer is great. I am afforded my time to study, attend courses and sit exams. If I need to take a bit more time to meet a deadline this is also allowed. HR have been very clear about my rights as an apprentice and that if I ever feel they aren't being met I can always lean on them for support.

My training provider provides great support. There are weekly courses which I attend and these are instructor led which allow me to get an answer straight away to any question I have. I also have regular meetings with my assessor to keep me on track. And along side all of this I can just email my assessor any questions that I have.

I have learned an array of both technical and soft skills through QA. So this has not only furthered my knowledge but also allowed me to be better in meeting, when writing emails, when writing reports. I have benefitted massively from the QA training provided. I think it will not only help me progress in my role but future ones as well.

My work offer many extra curricular activities. These include related activities relating to our partnerships with The Princes Trust and Duke of Edinburgh. They also provide an internal challenge which tests and builds team working and project management skills. There have also been multiple opportunities to meet with different parts of the business within Balfour Beatty's own Emerging Talent netowrk.

Yes

Balfour Beatty, to me, is streets ahead of the competition - opportunity wise. They are partnered with all of the leading personal and professional development organisations so there are endless opportunities to participate and build upon your skills. The work that Balfour Beatty do is also very interesting and varied so you may even find another career path internally.

When applying to Balfour Beatty - be yourself. Balfour Beatty have a dedicated Emerging Talent team who facilitate the growth of apprentices and graduates. This team will host regular check-in's and make sure that you are getting the most out of your apprenticeship and most of all - that you are enjoying it!