Graduate Apprenticeship Solutions Analyst Review

by Balfour Beatty

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.2/10

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

Developing business applications and managing developed and purchased applications throughout the business.

6/10

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

Learned a lot of skills around software development and how to manage multiple purchased business applications throughout the organisation

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Whilst the programme is enjoyable, it's a lot of pressure and stress at the same time. There is a large expectation on the apprentices to do the work and limited support from senior members of staff.

5/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme does have a structure but this isn't very well communicated to line managers. We regularly find ourselves completing apprenticeship related tasks in our own time, due to line manager prioritising any other work.

4/10

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

My employer does support me, however there is a lack of communication between different managers creating conflict points that regularly fall to those on the apprenticeship scheme.

4/10

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

My current training provider, Edinburgh Napier University is great. The course is well laid out with more than one avenue for questions and support.

10/10

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

My qualification definitely helps me perform better in my role, even if suggestions from university learnings are dismissed due to the current work load.

10/10

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.)

Yes, there has been a team re-set up again from pre-pandemic times that organise these and they do a really good job.

10/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

Balfour Beatty are a tier 1 construction contractor and whilst it's difficult sometimes to work with them, the opportunities on offer counter this.

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

Be yourself. Balfour Beatty (at apprenticeship level) are looking for people, not qualifications. The salary is lower than market rate, so be aware of this before applying.