Power Networks Design Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis my role includes logging onto the laptops provided by the company and to primarly use a programme called AutoCAD. AutoCAD is a design software where we primarily design the physical aspects of the substation. Sometimes I may do secondary work which is the protection of the substation.

I have learnt plenty of new skills since starting my role. This includes setting up meetings with various people of the company as well as attending these meetings which is something you don't really do when studying. I have also developed my CAD and Excel skills as I use these software's a lot and will do in the future

I would say that I do enjoy my programme to a decently high extent. Primarily because it gives me an insight into what my future career could be like if I decide to go through this route/career path. For example If I went straight into Uni after leaving College, then I may have discovered that this career path isnt the one for me and I would be left with debt that could have been avoided.

I will admit, the structure and roadmap of the programme could be more structed but it definitely is structured decently well. This is because the programme is fairly new so obviously there would be some issues that need ironing out. For example sometimes there wont be much work to do which makes the commute home/to work tedious as I know there wont be anything to do but I still have to come however this is easily avoided by simply asking the engineers if they need assistance.

The employer provides plenty of support for this programme. Thisn can range from 1 to 1 metings with managers, meetings with the other apprentices to then provide feedback to the employer too. The employer is very open to the concept of the programme being better carted to the apprentices which makes it even easier to give feedback.

The support that we receive from the training provider whilst working towards my qualification could be better and improved upon. This is primarily because of the nature of block release - so when I leave college there is not much contact with college and it can be tedious waiting for lecturers to respond to questions when you message/email them for an assignment that is due soon.

The qualification which I go through at College helps me a lot tremendously when it comes to my job role. This is because the college have a power networks course specifically catered towards my job role so a lot of the information which is being provided helps tremendously as all of it can be applied. The college units are associated with my job role

There are no extra-circular activities at the workplace which goes on out of office hours. However there are some activities such as webinars and residential days which can be used and will fall in the category of a social event/ networking events. These events all happen within hours of work.

Yes

I would recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend. I would recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend because there are plenty of different sectors which Balfour Beatty works in which allows people to almost pick and choose something they really want to do. Balfour Beatty also offers competitive pay, excellent training and plenty of opportunities to learn and improve your craft.

The advice I would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty would be to research the job role and use these apprenticeship reviews to gain an insight into the role you will be and you can use this knowledge to show the interviewer that you are well equipped for the role and is prepared to learn