Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

by Balfour Beatty

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.4/10

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

A site engineer typically responsible for reviewing safety documents, reviewing construction issued drawings, setting out the works information, general record keeping and organising programmed works.

9/10

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

Yes, many! I went from bearing knowing how to use a tape measure, to acting as an independent engineer on sites for Balfour Beatty for various civil engineering disciplines.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The university studies via day release have been particularly hard to mange in the last 2 years, of my 5 year course where my site responsibilities have naturally increased. I have had to sacrifice a lot of my spare time due to site hours being long days, however it is worth it for no student debt and the vast experience I have gained.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It is very well organised. I believe LJMU have been very structured in their approach to delivering the course specifically to degree apprentices, understanding the increased pressure they are under compared to regular full time students. Balfour Beatty have been very understanding of my university commitments, allowing me to take time off work when required to finish assignments. Balfour Beatty also have a very well structured support network for the ICE section of the degree Apprenticeship.

10/10

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

I receive exactly the right amount of support I wish for. At the start, they ensure you are in a comfortable position, then start to let you become more independent as an engineer, something that is necessary for your own professional development.

10/10

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

Enough training support from LJMU was provided. They are always on hand to answer any queries.

10/10

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

A lot of the Civil Engineering course is heavily design based so is good to understand the theoretical background knowledge of the industry, but I am unique in the fact that I am a site engineer where the majority of my learning has been through site experience over the course of the apprenticeship.

9/10

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.)

DofE (Gold) was offered, but I had already completed this. Professional networking events are available through the regional ICE support forum which is active and usually has a site visit every 3-6 months.

8/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

Very good career progression opportunities with varied work. The North West region has a very supporting and well experienced workforce who are all striving for you to succeed.

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

Ensure you apply for the correct region and division of Balfour Beatty as it is a very large company with many variations of the company. If you have a strong work ethic, you will succeed in this company.