Trainee Civil Engineer Review

I am a Contracts Engineer with Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering and therefore oversee projects from an engineering perspective. In my role I am directly involved in quality control, commercial management, procurement and project management.

Lots of new skills - I have learned a completely new industry. I have learned time management, attention to detail, communication skills, punctuality, commercial awareness and teamwork.

I love my job. I am very grateful the programme has allowed me to work for a prestigious company within the construction industry and also the aspect of engineering that I have gone into. I think the only set back is being classed as a trainee for 7 years.

The communication between stages of the apprenticeship could be better. Lots of people tell you lots of different things and you end up sorting everything yourself. I think a dedicated apprentice "chaperone" would be useful, split into groups of 10 to liaise with that group their next stage.

Lots of support from the umbrella company I work in, not much from the wider business but then I don't ask for it as my colleagues and line managers offer good support.

Not sure who my training provider is.

The role is directly related to the study so very useful. I think being able to apply what I have learned on site to what we learn in the classroom and vice versa as the best way of learning for me.

Yeah plenty.

Yes

If you want to join Balfour Beatty as an engineer then there are not many other companies that provide you with the exposure BB do. You will get to work on some of the greatest engineering projects in Europe and also have opportunities to move around within the business.

Be yourself, be friendly, be willing to learn and show a passion for what you are interested in.