Civil Engineer Review

On a day to day basis, I have multiple encounters with a variety of different specialists in the construction industry. I am able to learn and ask questions on what their thought process was to deciding to complete a task their way. My role involves managing sub-contractors to ensure the quality is up to standard.

Confidence has improved and I have learnt how to use a gps and a total station to set out desired points, this could be the red line boundary or a fence line. Everyday there is something new I encounter and I am happy to come across new learning opportunities provided by Balfour Beatty.

In my 9 months I have been with Balfour Beatty, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Being able to be a part of a project at such a large scale from the start is an amazing opportunity, especially coming straight from school when everything is new to me. On top of work, I have been enjoying the educational side of my programme, the first year of my university course is completed now and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Very well structured, my one day a week in University is Mondays and there is plenty of opportunities to gain additional training. There is also a lot of opportunities to gain a social network within Balfour Beatty with team building exercises in the Lake District. Another opportunity provided is a setting out course in Birmingham, 5 nights in a hotel and expenses paid for. Throughout the week there will be a combined theory and practical incite on setting out which i will then use in my day-to-day work life.

There is plenty of support, I have an assigned line manager who I have regular contact with along with a large team with a solid structure who are all willing to go out of their way to help. Everyone in our large team are open to any questions, commercial and construction departments are happy to share.

I have a mentor for my University work who I have regular contact with, I am also currently a member of the ICE working to an Engtech qualification in which I have an assigned DE and SE with monthly meetings to go over my reports. But I'm always able to ask anyone in my team as they are all willing to help.

Overall, being able to progress with a qualification helps me progress in work. Some principles I will understand after studying in University and then being able to see the same method of works take place on site enables me to have a better understanding when in work. It also enables me to understand my role and the industry more, knowing why that method of works has been chosen in replace of other options is a big help

There are plenty of social activities like project milestone events. Lots of voluntary opportunities like school presentations. Balfour Beatty have a team building event in the Lake District involving all apprentices across the business, enabling all apprentices to gain a social network that may be used in the future on a different project

Yes

Balfour Beatty have given me countless opportunities to expand my knowledge not only within work but also events outside of work. I have been involved in 2 different projects so far, 1 was a coastal defence system which I could never have imagined being apart of before I joined Balfour Beatty. Every team I have met has welcomed me and got me involved with the projects, I can't speak highly enough of the people around me.

I highly recommend this apprenticeship for everyone thinking about joining, you are not expected to know everything before you start so the interview is based on how you interact with the interviewers and how you come across, gaining the knowledge comes on the job. Once joined, there is endless opportunities which I recommend you take everyone. The job has exceeded my expectations and I'm confident it would exceed yours, I am forever grateful for having this opportunity and being able to gain more experience everyday. My advice to anyone thinking about applying is to just go for it