Trainee CAD Technician Review

My role involves very varied work, I have been in a drawing office producing the CAD models and General arrangement drawings and I have gradually worked my way around the teams and am now working in the Structural design team. I work In power so work on analysing pylons, using structural analysis software.

My apprenticeship has really developed my soft skills as well as my technical knowledge. I lacked a lot of confidence, but this has improved so much, I feel that my communication has also improved as a result of this. My maths skills have also improved, I struggled at A levels but have received support at work had can now work through complication maths problems.

I really enjoy my programme; I have some fantastic rotations around the design office which allows me to expand my knowledge and meet everyone. As part of my programme I get the opportunity to do other courses and activities. One of the best opportunities I have had, was being able to do my Gold D of E!

My programme has been very well structured. I was given a 5-year plan on day one of employment, so I have known what is expected of me and what opportunities will arise each year that I can apply for. I am on a degree apprenticeship and also get the same good structure at University.

I am lucky and receive a lot of support. I have been assigned a workplace mentor who I can speak to whenever I like about work, personal life or university. They have been really helpful and have supported me whenever I have needed help. All my colleagues have been brilliant as well at answering any questions I have.

My training provider is part of our company so I receive a lot of support from my workplace mentor and university mentor, who support me with work, My portfolio and my IEng qualification. My mentor will probably know who my trainer provider is but it has something that hasn't come up in conversation.

My qualification is already really helping me in my current role. I am on a Civil Engineering degree, and all the structural design modules have been brilliant, and I have been able to apply what I have covered at university in the workplace and vice versa, I have learnt skills at work which I can also use at university

There has been so many fantastic opportunities at Balfour Beatty as part of my apprenticeship. One most memorable activity I got involved in was the Gold D of E scheme, where I had the chance to team up with other Balfour Beatty apprentices and work through numerous training to finally take on the final expedition. From this we recieved our awards and got to go to the Palace, so lucky to have had such an amazing opportnity.

Yes

Being able to earn while I learn has been great. I originally did a degree when I left school, and decided the subject wasn't for me. So, I have had experience of being a full time student (for 3 years) and a part time student being able to work for a multinational company, and I know which I prefer.

Ask lots of questions, the team are always happy to try and answer them all or put you in contact with people who can help. Be prepared to be passionate about the company, Balfour Beatty has a fantastic work culture which inspires you to perform to your best and excel