Assistant Planner Review
at Galliford Try
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Durham
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
Throughout the apprenticeship programme I was employed as a site engineer. This role entails working on site full time, which can vary depending on the type of project you're involved in. I have worked across many different projects within the infrastructure sector ranging from: Water treatment, highways and buildings.
As a site engineer your main role is to ensure that the drawings are portraited onto the site and that everything is built to the correct specifications. You're also required to be diverse in your job role, often being heavily involved in the health and safety on site and site management duties.
As a site engineer your main role is to ensure that the drawings are portraited onto the site and that everything is built to the correct specifications. You're also required to be diverse in your job role, often being heavily involved in the health and safety on site and site management duties.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the programme, however I do struggle to be able balance work, study and personal life. There is a lot expected of a degree apprentice working in construction. It can be difficult, stressful and busy when deadlines are coming up at university as well as being busy in the workplace but this just makes it more rewarding when you achieve milestones.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, as a site engineer I have learnt a lot in the civil engineering industry. I would say the main thing I've learnt is to understand how things are actually built and the practicalities of design drawings and plans. This has allowed me to progress and pursue a career in construction / engineering planning.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It is quite well structured, definitely could be improvements. I believe that a rotation for degree apprentices across multiple different roles within the company would be beneficial. This could allow apprentices to assess which side of the industry they like the most, as well as making them more well rounded.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support from Galliford Try is great, whenever I have needed something like workplace mentors this has been sorted promptly.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Its good, regular lectures and plenty of support where needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
100%, learning all aspects of civil engineering makes you a well rounded engineer.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Not in my current business unit, which is environment but with my move into planning (highways BU) I believe this will be better.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Galliford Try to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They're a great company to work for, I can explain this in my current move into planning. They have accommodated my career goals in supporting this move.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Galliford Try?
I would say be willing to learn new things, be pushed outside of your comfort zone and to work extremely hard. This company will provide you with good career progression, just like all companies you should come in with an open mind and a strong work ethic and you'll succeed.
