Apprentice Engineer Review

by Balfour Beatty

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.2/10

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

Working on the rail way day-to-day work is really varied, I am either on track, in an office or at home. I am involved in the planning and construction side of our jobs, whether I am supervising or red-lining drawings I always have plenty of encouragement and support.

10/10

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

There is always plenty of opportunity to learn, being exposed to a new environment means I have been on many training courses to acquire many different competencies. I have become much more confident and sure of my ability to make my voice heard.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Being able to learn on the job and study towards my degree at the same time is really beneficial as I am consolidating my engineering knowledge whilst being able to actively use it on site. I am learning new skills and having fun all day every day.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I attend university 1 day a week during term time, and work the rest of the week so I find that this is a good split for my time. I don't feel as though I am ever rushed for time.

9/10

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

Whenever I need any extra time to work on university assignments or don't fully understand a task they are very understanding and allow me to work on my own time, there are always multiple people around to ask questions.

10/10

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

During university term time, lecturers are always available to contact via teams or email and they reply quickly in order to help with any questions. There are many resources that are available all the time on our Moodle where we can access the library or lecture notes.

9/10

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

From my university lectures I gain a good knowledge of the theories and systems in the world of engineering, about the materials, processes in planning. All of this allows me to feel like I more thoroughly understand what is going on at work.

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.)

Due to Covid a lot of extra curriculars have been suspended, however due to things opening back up there have been more opportunities to meet up after work.

8/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

Such a friendly and exciting place to work, everyone is happy to help whenever you need. I feel as though just after my first year I have learnt so much and know that I am part of a developing team.

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

Make sure that you are well prepared for any tests or interviews that you are invited to, let them know why you want to work in engineering and what about you works in the industry. There is no specific requirements you need so just be yourself.