Trainee Traffic Engineer Review

Assessing Speed Indicator Device (SID) locations by attending site visits and organising speed surveys as requested by Parish Councils and also managing a monthly SID deployment programme. Carrying out designs for various schemes across Herefordshire such as Public Rights of Way bridges, drainage solutions, traffic engineering measures and many other types of schemes as and when requested. I also attend university 1 day per week to complete a Civil Engineering Degree.

I have learnt many skills like the use of softwares such as AutoCAD and my communication skills and m knowledge in Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations and Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). I have also developed my skills by undertaking a interview with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) to become an EngTech member of the ICE and the company were very helpful and supportive throughout the application process.

The team in Herefordshire are very good, friendly and helpful in providing the skillset you need to succeed in the apprenticeship. They allow the time you need to achieve my academic studies and are always willing to provide support that makes it a great place to work. The structure of the apprenticeship programme is easily understood and easy to follow allowing me to fully focus on my studies and workplace experience knowing that the qualification aspect is all in place.

the structure of the programme is well organised with regular 3-monthly meetings with the university skills coach to review progress and ensure the apprentice is on target and the company are providing everything they need for the apprentice to achieve the targets. They are also very helpful in providing time and support for your studies.

My employer are always happy to provide any additional support where necessary and are always happy to explain things in more detail to ensure I get a full understanding of the industry. Performance Development reviews are carried out every 6 months to ensure new targets are set and to review whether previous targets have been met and to outline whether any support is required in certain areas.

The lecturers at the university do occasionally provide additional support and some lecturers are very good at explaining the principles on certain modules to help you understand the background and why we do things a certain way. However, some lecturers aren't as good at explaining the principles of the module which makes it difficult to follow sometimes and more self directed learning is required.

Occasionally and module may somewhat help towards my role however i have found that many modules are not comparable to my role which makes it difficult to fully understand the benefit it will be providing. However, I understand that learning the principles of certain subjects can provide beneficial knowledge for future roles. I feel the Incorporate Engineer with the ICE is the most crucial aspect of the degree apprenticeship and provide the most benefits.

Occasionally the employer will put on events or get togethers with teams outside of work although it isn't very often. I think more social activities or the occasional team building exercises would massively benefit the teams and improve the relationship within the team. There are very occasional professional networking events that include the wider company across the UK.

Yes

Balfour Beatty is a large company that can provide all the support and knowledge a young person would need to have a great career in the Civil Engineering industry as they work on many different projects across the world. There is also a lot of professionals that have a wealth of experience that you can learn from.

The biggest tip for the application process and interview would be to be confident in your abilities and express your work ethic to achieve. As you are applying from an apprenticeship, companies won't be concentrating on your experience as you more than likely won't have a lot of experience. Instead they focus on how willing you seem to want to achieve and learn in the industry to develop a good career and become a great asset for the company in the future.