Business administration apprentice Review
at Balfour Beatty
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Derby
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
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
Business Admin for Derby Living Places Streetlighting. Some daily tasks are: updating systems from faults operatives have been out to, booking training for the operatives, creating and updating the system with designs from completed works. Daily interactions are with my team members as well as customers through email and members of the public on the phone to report a faulty light. My independent responsibilities include making sure all training is up to date and book near expiring courses, collect and send off planned maintenance data for finance and clearing the back log of jobs that haven't been updated on the system before I started. A project that I'm currently working on is for third party and the scheme is for Infinity Park which is a big scheme that has a few different areas of works. I'm currently working on creating the Operations and Maintenance Manual for one of the completed plots and will soon be able to input the new assets to put onto our system.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
There is a lot more to learn than I initially thought coming into the role which can be good to have variety. However some of the leadership communication can be poor at times and tasks that most of the experienced employees do not want to do and then handed down to me. The actual college course is fantastic my tutor Chad is great.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have learned a lot of skills so far especially developing IT skills such as creating formulas on Excel to make it work for you, technical jargon that is used on our systems such as lamp out for when a reported light is not coming on or a day burner which is when to light stays on through the day as well as a number of acronyms. I have learnt how to better time manage and found ways to effectively remember all my tasks which ensures the most productivity. I have also learnt how to speak on the phone to clients which was very daunting at first but now that I have more knowledge of the business sector I am in and the experience answering many calls, I am now comfortable and confident dong so.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The college is very well organised and structed with a visual development plan that is frequently updated to easily keep track of my progress and 1:1 meeting with my tutor in between sessions to discuss how I'm getting on. The companies Early Careers program is a good way for people in the same boat to connect and build skills that can be implemented in the work place through the cohort session activities and the residentials. However, there is no structure or plan for my work training which is very disappointing.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
1/5
Little to none. little recognition, poor communication, poor delivery.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
A lot of support. Always ensures us we can reach out whenever between meetings and always responds in a timely manner.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It helps me understand the bigger picture of different company element and how the impart the business.
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
Yes R-Life are frequently sending even emails for things like different food trucks coming for lunch, wreath making and a Christmas market over the festive period and plenty of pick n mix days.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend specific parts of the business and making sure they have a good manager. It is a huge company with many opportunities constantly.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Ask around about the area you are applying for about the management and the type of work load as well as the opportunities to progress. In an interview ask, what does excellence look like in this role?, as cringe as it sounds, it makes you appear more interested the the employer and also gives you a good idea of what would be expected from you.
