Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
- 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
- 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.)
- 9a. Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
I am a maintenance Engineer. I usually go to college Monday to Friday, but that is just for my first year. At work I have done things such as greasing fittings on trains. Also fitting windows on and cleaning trains. We have two breaks a day and a nice kitchen.
I have learnt many new skills. I’ve learnt how to read engineering drawings, I’ve learnt how to grease fittings, I’ve learnt the basics of how a train operates. I’ve developed communication and terminology. Those are especially important in an engineering work place as it can be dangerous.
I love my programme, I am not a big fan of the theoretical side of it but I love the practical elements. There are some exceptions to the theory side, as I love physics and maths. I enjoy using computer software to build fluid power circuits and to write PLC programmes.
My programme is structured okay, it is a bit random at times but most of the time it’s fine. We usually have theory only days on Tuesday and every other day we do NVQ blocks. I do not know much about progression and I have not received much information about it, however I have yet to ask for more information on progression.
I receive wonderful support from my employer, my travel is paid for to college and they help me by supplying me with materials such as a tablet and laptop to help me with studies. I am also provided with PPE and so far everything I have asked for has been given to me.
My training provider does not provide much support outside of lessons, however within lessons they are very helpful. We use an online platform to submit our coursework and they will provide feedback there. If there is a need for extra help students can stay behind with lecturers and get the extra help.
I’m not sure yet how my training relates to my role as I have not been to work much. However it is multi skilled. I am learning about mechanical engineering as well as electrical engineering so it definitely would help me understand some components more. The NVQ training does help though.
There are charity football matches, there is the Duke of Edinburgh Gold scheme, there is the brathay challenge, there was the Emerging talent induction in Manchester which was good for networking . Overall there are many opportunities and extra curricular activities to get involved in, even network affinity groups and myC.
Yes
I think it is a great place to work as they provide you with tons of support, and you gain amazing experience. I enjoy my job and the people I work with are all very nice. It’s not a toxic environment and everyone is friendly with each other. It Definetly is a great place to work.
I would say be yourself in an interview, always try to research the company beforehand and see if their values align with yours. Relate to moments in your life where these values helped you, and explain how you would be an asset to the team and company. Always make sure to smile.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Ashford, Kent
May 2022