Apprentice Civil Engineer Review
at Balfour Beatty
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Southampton
Review Submitted: March 2026
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
I joined Balfour Beatty on 21 July 2025 as an Apprentice Civil Engineer within Power Transportation and Delivery (Power T&D). Since joining, I have been involved across three significant projects in Oxford, Wiltshire and Southampton. My early responsibilities have focused on overhead line (OHL) refurbishment activities and related site operations, combining technical tasking with planning, coordination and client liaison.
My current placement is on the 4YB OHL refurbishment project in Southampton for National Grid. The programme involves replacement of conductor systems and associated fittings/insulators, steelwork strengthening and earth wire works. My role on this project is the oversight of scaffold delivery, installation and removal.
My current placement is on the 4YB OHL refurbishment project in Southampton for National Grid. The programme involves replacement of conductor systems and associated fittings/insulators, steelwork strengthening and earth wire works. My role on this project is the oversight of scaffold delivery, installation and removal.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy this programme because it gives me the opportunity to be actively involved in real engineering projects where I can take on responsibility and see the direct impact of my work. From managing drone survey operations to coordinating traffic management across multiple sites, I enjoy the mix of technical problem-solving, planning, and teamwork.
The role allows me to continuously develop new skills, whether that’s improving my IT abilities through creating detailed access plans or gaining practical site experience through quality checks and temporary works. I also value the level of ownership I’m given, such as leading survey teams, liaising with clients, and ensuring work is carried out safely and efficiently.
Most importantly, I enjoy working in an environment where safety, precision, and collaboration are essential, and where every day brings new challenges that help me grow both technically and professionally.
The role allows me to continuously develop new skills, whether that’s improving my IT abilities through creating detailed access plans or gaining practical site experience through quality checks and temporary works. I also value the level of ownership I’m given, such as leading survey teams, liaising with clients, and ensuring work is carried out safely and efficiently.
Most importantly, I enjoy working in an environment where safety, precision, and collaboration are essential, and where every day brings new challenges that help me grow both technically and professionally.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
In this role, I have developed a wide range of new technical and practical skills that have strengthened my confidence on site. I have significantly improved my IT abilities by working with KVL files to extract and interpret engineering data, as well as producing detailed and professional access plans using PDF editing software.
I have also built strong organisational and coordination skills through managing drone survey operations, planning logistics, and tracking progress across multiple sites. My attention to detail has improved through quality inspections, where I’ve learned the importance of accurate reporting and clear documentation.
In addition, the training courses I’ve completed have enhanced my understanding of safety, temporary works, and electrical awareness, allowing me to approach tasks with a safety-first mindset and a better understanding of site constraints. Overall, these experiences have helped me become more competent, proactive, and confident in a real engineering environment.
I have also built strong organisational and coordination skills through managing drone survey operations, planning logistics, and tracking progress across multiple sites. My attention to detail has improved through quality inspections, where I’ve learned the importance of accurate reporting and clear documentation.
In addition, the training courses I’ve completed have enhanced my understanding of safety, temporary works, and electrical awareness, allowing me to approach tasks with a safety-first mindset and a better understanding of site constraints. Overall, these experiences have helped me become more competent, proactive, and confident in a real engineering environment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Since joining Balfour Beatty I have been shown a clear roadmap of progression throughout my apprenticeship and beyond. Knowing this has allowed me to think clearly towards my future after I finish my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received lots of help and support from both my colleagues and managers. I know who to reach out to whenever I am struggling and colleagues are always happy and helpful to support me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have been in constant communication with my course tutors even when I am back at work. They help me improve my learning and work to give me the best chances of receiving the grades I want.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification through my training provider has supported my performance in the role by reinforcing the theoretical knowledge behind the practical tasks I carry out on site. It has helped me better understand engineering principles, standards, and processes, which I can then apply to real projects such as planning drone surveys, interpreting drawings, and supporting quality checks.
While much of my learning comes from hands-on experience, the qualification provides a strong foundation that improves my confidence when making decisions and communicating with colleagues and clients.
While much of my learning comes from hands-on experience, the qualification provides a strong foundation that improves my confidence when making decisions and communicating with colleagues and clients.
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
We recently had a social night at a local restaurant which was a nice experience. It helped me get to know the team and break the ice with my colleagues.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Balfour Beatty has also helped me develop life skills especially when working away.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Approach your application with an open mind, there are lots of opportunities' to work in various roles throughout the company that you may not even know you're interested in.
