Section Engineer Review
at Balfour Beatty
Degree Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Lowestoft
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
At the start of my apprenticeship, I was site based learning how to use setting out and surveying technologies and gaining general construction experience and awareness. Throughout my apprenticeship, as my skills developed, I became more site office based. These roles included management of work packages in regards to Health and Safety, Quality Assurance and Environmental risks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship time with Balfour Beatty, so much so that I have just graduated from my second apprenticeship, having previously completed a L3 apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty first, before progressing onto degree. In addition to academic studies and site experience, Balfour Beatty also offers additional training opportunities to gain extra job related qualifications as well as opportunities to gain soft skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since becoming an apprentice I have developed both technical and soft skills. Technical skills include, gaining my commercial drone license allowing me to use drones from survey and photographic purposes across the workplace. I also, gained Health and Safety training such as; Asbestos Management, SMSTS, Fire Marshal and confined space training. I was also given the opportunity to gain my APM Fundamentals qualification, improving my Project Management awareness.
In regards to soft skills, Balfour Beatty have an intensive training programme in the Lake District for Apprentices and Graduates. These were fun, but informative sessions that allowed you get out of your comfort zone, meet new people from around the business and increase your personal awareness. This was further supported by a site team InSights test, which looks at your personal characteristics and how you can you better communicate with your team.
Finally, I have been privilaged enough to be selected for a Balfour Beatty charity project, building a 40m suspension bridge in Rwanda. This will allow me to combine the technical and soft skills I have learnt over the past 5 years, to deliver a meaningful project for a local community. Whilst I am in Rwanda, I will also pick up new skills and challenge myself even further.
In regards to soft skills, Balfour Beatty have an intensive training programme in the Lake District for Apprentices and Graduates. These were fun, but informative sessions that allowed you get out of your comfort zone, meet new people from around the business and increase your personal awareness. This was further supported by a site team InSights test, which looks at your personal characteristics and how you can you better communicate with your team.
Finally, I have been privilaged enough to be selected for a Balfour Beatty charity project, building a 40m suspension bridge in Rwanda. This will allow me to combine the technical and soft skills I have learnt over the past 5 years, to deliver a meaningful project for a local community. Whilst I am in Rwanda, I will also pick up new skills and challenge myself even further.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured and a documented plan is available for each job role and level. There are a few discrepencies, that I have found over the years, however all in all, its a good structured programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I received a lot of support from Balfour Beatty both at a company and site level. This included study time, but also formal and informal mentoring opportunities.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Balfour Beatty offer study time for academic exams and there is an allowance for purchasing books required for academic courses. In regards to the apprenticeship off the job training hours, Balfour Beatty ensure that the work being provided will help you meet that government requirement.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My degree apprenticeship has given me the foundations and academic knowledge to complete my day to day role. This allows me to engage with suppliers and colleagues and understand the work being asked for.
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
There are team socials in the main Balfour Beatty offices, such as meals out, rock climbing, darts etc... On sites, there are occasional meals out with the work team and community/charity events to participate in. We also support ICE CPD events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Balfour Beatty is a supportive employer and I have had a great experience throughout my apprenticeships. They have supported me to get academic qualifications and develop my soft skills/
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Once in your role, work with your team to get awareness and experience of other roles in the company. This allows you to better understand the construction progress and how your role fits into the bigger picture. This doesnt have to be a secondment, but just an afternoon here or there with a different team member. Also, ask lots of questions, to get the most out of your experience.
