Trainee CAD Technician Review
at Balfour Beatty
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Kirk Langley, Ashbourne DE6 4NX, UK
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
My role involves very varied work, I have been in a drawing office producing the CAD models and General arrangement drawings and I have gradually worked my way around the teams and am now working in the Structural design team. I work In power so work on analysing pylons, using structural analysis software.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme; I have some fantastic rotations around the design office which allows me to expand my knowledge and meet everyone. As part of my programme I get the opportunity to do other courses and activities. One of the best opportunities I have had, was being able to do my Gold D of E!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
My apprenticeship has really developed my soft skills as well as my technical knowledge. I lacked a lot of confidence, but this has improved so much, I feel that my communication has also improved as a result of this. My maths skills have also improved, I struggled at A levels but have received support at work had can now work through complication maths problems.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme has been very well structured. I was given a 5-year plan on day one of employment, so I have known what is expected of me and what opportunities will arise each year that I can apply for. I am on a degree apprenticeship and also get the same good structure at University.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I am lucky and receive a lot of support. I have been assigned a workplace mentor who I can speak to whenever I like about work, personal life or university. They have been really helpful and have supported me whenever I have needed help. All my colleagues have been brilliant as well at answering any questions I have.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider is part of our company so I receive a lot of support from my workplace mentor and university mentor, who support me with work, My portfolio and my IEng qualification. My mentor will probably know who my trainer provider is but it has something that hasn't come up in conversation.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification is already really helping me in my current role. I am on a Civil Engineering degree, and all the structural design modules have been brilliant, and I have been able to apply what I have covered at university in the workplace and vice versa, I have learnt skills at work which I can also use at university
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There has been so many fantastic opportunities at Balfour Beatty as part of my apprenticeship. One most memorable activity I got involved in was the Gold D of E scheme, where I had the chance to team up with other Balfour Beatty apprentices and work through numerous training to finally take on the final expedition. From this we recieved our awards and got to go to the Palace, so lucky to have had such an amazing opportnity.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Being able to earn while I learn has been great. I originally did a degree when I left school, and decided the subject wasn't for me. So, I have had experience of being a full time student (for 3 years) and a part time student being able to work for a multinational company, and I know which I prefer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Ask lots of questions, the team are always happy to try and answer them all or put you in contact with people who can help. Be prepared to be passionate about the company, Balfour Beatty has a fantastic work culture which inspires you to perform to your best and excel
