Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

by Balfour Beatty

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.8/10

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

Site based engineer that coordinates and supervise site activities and ensure the project is being built in accordance with the specification and ensuring it is being built in a safe way as agreed with the Risk assessment method statements from the subcontractor that I review time to time.

8/10

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

I have learnt so much compared to when I started with minimal knowledge in the industry. I am now a valued member of the engineering site team with a lot of responsibility.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I find the work interesting but I feel like it could be better through more frequent project rotation to help me get a broader understanding of Civil Engineering as opposed to just being on a highways project.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It is well structured but communication lacks between the ET group and my line manager and there is often confusion with my apprenticeship agreements such as the 20% off the job learning. Other than that, the organisation is good.

7/10

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

I am well supported in my site team and I feel comfortable at work, even when it can get really busy on site.

10/10

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

I have a collaborative meeting with my university mentor and workplace mentor but this doesn't really benefit either party and it seems bureaucratic. One meeting at the end of every academic year would suffice and be more relevant so my grades could be discussed.

7/10

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

Most of the content I learn in university is relevant theoretical information for my role as a civil engineer.

9/10

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.)

there is the DofE Gold award and also other networking sessions but this seems to be more for office based staff. The site teams organised their own socials usually.

6/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

It is a large company that is stable which is very important for a long university part time degree. It also has many resources and the engineering equipment is very good to learn. They also have large projects and are ICE focused

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

Aim to get as much experience as you can and initiate this yourself to make up the 20% off the job learning.