Application Support Analyst Review

My daily tasks have changed a few times since starting with Balfour Beatty as my management believe exposing me to all aspects of my team will give me a better understanding of how Balfour Beatty functions. I have found this to be very beneficial, in my past jobs I had little insight into how we worked as a whole or how most processes worked as I would be pigeonholed into one area. When I first joined Balfour Beatty, I got straight into every-day work with our Access Control Team, seeing how access to applications and environments were strictly controlled to ensure only approved users had access to certain information gave me confidence that I have made the right choice working for Balfour Beatty. My daily tasks with the Access Control Team was creating or editing accounts in environments for users, sometimes I would need to correct information in our Oracle environments. After that, I briefly worked with our Test Manager where I got insight into how our developers work. I then briefly worked with our Release Management Team, my daily tasks here focused on staging or deploying releases to our various test environments, carrying out necessary communications so everyone involved knew where releases were deployed to. I am now working with our HR and Finance support team, since starting last month I have been undergoing Oracle training through Oracle Learning. This learning is giving me great insight into how Businesses control all Human Capital Management and Payroll through Oracle. This has been very helpful in understanding how Oracle can be used for businesses as a fantastic system to control and manage a number of business processes. I have also been learning SQL in this position. Everyone I have worked with during this time has been fantastic with their support to assist with my learning. My line manager has been fantastic in being supportive and professional through all communications and assisting where possible to help me develop my skills.

Since joining Balfour Beatty, I have now developed skills in the following areas: SQL, Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle R12, Python (through Udemy account supplied by Balfour Beatty), Communication, Excel, Word. The most valuable skill I am currently developing is confidence. Balfour Beatty encourages all apprentice staff to do their best by providing everything they need to succeed, an apprentice just needs the confidence in themselves to grasp the nettle.

I have massively enjoyed my programme. This is not just in part to the training provided to me by QA, but the people around me making all of my work enjoyable. I cannot think much in the way of improvement for my programme. I have been provided all the time and support I need to complete any necessary units for my apprenticeship.

I found my programme to be well structured. I would meet with my assessor once every 4-6 weeks, here we would discuss what I need to do next to complete my apprenticeship. It was all straight forward and if I did for whatever reason need any clarification, I could email my assessor and get a quick response to clear anything up for me.

I find my employer is incredibly supportive, not just for my workload - if I am struggling, I can speak out and receive help - but my wellbeing is supported as well. If I need to speak up about any personal issues, I can rely on my manger respecting my privacy and offering any support possible. Thankfully, I have not had any personal issues but my team have created such a friendly and welcoming environment that I know I could rely on them for support if I needed it.

My assessor was very helpful in explaining what units I need to complete and outline what the unit entails so I was not sure at any time what I was to do. I found the training classes to be fantastic, the teachers for my training courses were all knowledgeable on the given subject.

A number of the units for my course were only possible to complete by speaking to people I would otherwise not reach out to. Due to this, I had to put myself out of my comfort zone by reaching out and talk to people I otherwise would not. This helped with my confidence in the workplace.

At least every other month my office organise some event that everyone can take part in. For example, in a few weeks time I have a Go-Kart night. Last Christmas they organised a wreath-making activity for anyone to join. Starting next week we have a step-challenge for our office, I have assembled a team where we will aim to encourage each other and get fit at the same time.

Yes

Everyone in their respective teams has their back, if they require any support, they will get it. Balfour Beatty gives anyone the tools they need to develop their skills. If someone wants to develop themselves - professionally and personally - Balfour Beatty should be at the top of their list as an employer.

What I found to be my quality that likely got me my job with Balfour Beatty was my eagerness to learn. Balfour Beatty want people who are proactive in their role. This has been highlighted at any early career event I have attended through Balfour Beatty. All these events have displayed their encouragement for their staff to develop their skills. Balfour Beatty want people who are excited about the role.