Apprentice Electrical Design Engineer Review

Apprentice electrical design engineer - As an apprentice, I help out engineers, completing tasks of my capability that help towards their work. I am also working towards my HNC, and study at college on block release.

I have learned new skills, mainly in terms of what I am actually doing at work. I have been shown how to do different tasks and what they entail, such as understanding different engineering drawings. I feel that work ethic was already a good skill of mine, and this has come in useful considering I am working full time and studying.

I am enjoying my apprenticeship so far, especially as the company as a whole is focused so much on young people just starting out, like myself.

The Balfour early careers programme is well organised, with events being planned for apprentices and graduates. In terms of training at work, there could possibly be a better structure in terms of how we are trained in and shown different parts of the job. However, I am still given plenty of work to do whilst at work.

My employers encourage me to stick in and work towards my HNC, as having this done quicker means I can move onto more areas of the job and complete more tasks. My managers communicate with me regularly about how I am getting on at work.

I go to college in Loughborough, and because this is so far away from Newcastle, I have to study for a few weeks every other month or so. This sometimes makes it difficult to get support if I'm stuck on assignments while at home, however I always try to make the most of going to college and get help if I'm stuck.

A lot of the content I learn in my HNC is relevant to the job I'm doing. Once I have got my HNC, it also allows me to move into a proper role in engineering and design.

There are no sports teams (which I would enjoy), however the power department often go out for a meal or something which helps for networking. There is also an office Christmas and summer party every year.

Yes

Because my friends are the same age as me and working for Balfour Beatty has given me an excellent start to my working life.

Make sure that you have a bit of 'go'. Applications are often competitive and in order to be accepted to Balfour Beatty and to fit in, you must have drive and want to progress yourself further.