HR Apprentice Review
at Balfour Beatty
Degree Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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:
5/5
My apprenticeship covers 18 months within Balfour Beatty's HR Shared Services, with rotations between teams every 6 months. I will work in HR administration, compliance, systems and transformation, and project support. I am also completing my CIPD Level 5 People Professional qualification.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
10/10. Balfour Beatty's early careers programme is incredible. It has opened lots of doors for me to succeed in my career, it provides a lot of support and opportunities to develop further, learn more about the company and network with employees/stakeholders - as well as being able to learn about the subject area I am interested in (HR).
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have became a lot more confident - speaking to and dealing with stakeholders across the business, as well as leading presentations in front of up to 100 people. I have already learned a lot about HR and processes involved.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised. For example, the early careers employees who started in 2024 were split into cohorts, each cohort has regular catch ups with their training provider, as well as getting involved in development courses and a 4 day residential to the Lake District (team building). Within the workplace I complete OTJ hours as well as helping the team, and attending workshops to study for my qualification.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot of support (as mentioned before), I have the early careers team support, my CIPD training providers support, my line managers and colleagues support. This enables me to take the time to complete my assignments, get involved in every opportunity I'm faced with, and learn more about HR.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider and I have regular meetings to discuss recent activities I have completed going towards my development, I can ask her any questions and she will support me where needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The CIPD Level 5 People Professional is crucial for me to be able to perform well in my job role. I have came onto this apprenticeship straight from school, with only A-Level knowledge on HR/Business, I may struggle to do well without my qualification. I learn from my colleagues and the learning I complete, however my qualification provides a deeper understanding and knowledge on the topic.
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
Some examples include...
I travelled to Manchester for a networking event (senior Balfour Beatty employees, as well as other early careers colleagues),
I visited HS2 in Birmingham and met the HR team, as well as onsite employees.
I attend social events such as book club, Christmas wreath making, reformer Pilates, seasonal office parties, etc - where I have networked with employees from other areas (i.e. finance, IT).
I travelled to Manchester for a networking event (senior Balfour Beatty employees, as well as other early careers colleagues),
I visited HS2 in Birmingham and met the HR team, as well as onsite employees.
I attend social events such as book club, Christmas wreath making, reformer Pilates, seasonal office parties, etc - where I have networked with employees from other areas (i.e. finance, IT).
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Balfour Beatty has a strong reputation, diverse projects, commitment to innovation and sustainability, and career development opportunities. The company promotes an inclusive culture, adheres to high safety standards, engages in corporate social responsibility, and offers global project experiences.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Research Balfour Beatty, and tailor your application to highlight relevant skills.
Emphasize teamwork, kindness and authenticity, and communication abilities.
Prepare thoroughly for the interview. Good luck!
Emphasize teamwork, kindness and authenticity, and communication abilities.
Prepare thoroughly for the interview. Good luck!
