Civil Engineer Review
at Balfour Beatty
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Birmingham
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
2.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I have worked in multiple teams over the years: BIM, Environmental Consents, Design and Site. My daily tasks on site as a Site Engineer are to set out and survey, carry out quality checks, interpret drawings and models, apply for permits, troubleshoot a range of issues, manage labour and procure materials required for construction.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have enjoyed some areas more than others. Design was a favourite area. The hours, particularly combined with the University requirements, mean having a good work-life balance is difficult. I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from experienced people in the industry, and to be able to apply university learning to work and visa versa.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I changed career to come to Civil Engineering, previously working at a senior level in the NHS clinically. There has not been much opportunity to use my medical knowledge nor management experience considering the apprenticeship starts you at the bottom of a company again. However, I have certainly learnt many new engineering skills and terms. Use of specialist engineering equipment, CAD, methodologies and phasing of construction, legal requirements and paperwork.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
I was one of 5 apprentices starting in the first year of the apprenticeship programme on my project. The organisation was very poor at this point. This has improved significantly over the years however, with following apprentice cohorts having a much more organised and structured experience from day one. There is still improvement needed though, in terms of having a structure of team rotations and set work in teams to make sure experience in all core areas of Civils is picked up.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
My employer is supportive in terms of understanding the requirement to complete off the job training as part of my contract. There is a good range of CPD activities offered through work to be able to boost hours required for the apprenticeship. Team rotations and work experience is left to me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The employer are supportive in terms of providing a mentor, allowing time for OTJ training and study leave, and providing funding for ICE professional qualifications. It would be good if they provided more structured support in terms of someone at work to speak to about coursework difficulties or some guidance with exam revision though.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
There is sometimes little overlap between what is learned at university and what we do at work. Particularly in terms of work on site, as there is not much practical component to the university course. I feel like the vast majority of skills I use at work, have been learned at work and not unversity.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes, there are social events held occasionally through each sublot, and more frequently and informally through individual teams. These are sometimes funded by work. I have also made friends at work who are on my apprenticeship course, who I socialise with. There are no sports teams that I know of, and professional network events are very rare.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Balfour Beatty s apprenticeship route is a no-brainer in terms of being able to get a degree with no tuition fees, earn a salary, and gain experience at work for the CV at the same time. In this industry, qualifications are seen as a tick box, with experience the most important factor in hiring and promotion.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Gain work experience in construction before applying. Not many applicants have this, so it will make you stand out very positively at interview stage. Ensure a good academic background (preferably Level 3/A-level) in maths and physics. It is a much better route than going to university independently, just be aware you will be working hard and will not have a university party experience.
