Apprentice Materials Technician Review
at Balfour Beatty
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering, Material and Mineral Engineering
Luton, Bedfordshire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
I went in blind to the job just to try something new, and found myself really enjoying it and what it had to offer for me. it wasn't what I expected but I was not disapointed with what was involved. As time has gone on, I have moved to a different project which is a lot tougher and unforgiving but as of this I have developed my skills and learned so much more.
A day to day basis would involve testing and sampling of site based materials pre and post implementation, whether that is approval testing of aggregates and soils to be used on site for load bearing capacity or testing hardened concrete for compressive strength to ensure concrete poured on site is compliant. Every material used on a construction site must be approved by the lab for use and it is now my job to do the testing for this.
A day to day basis would involve testing and sampling of site based materials pre and post implementation, whether that is approval testing of aggregates and soils to be used on site for load bearing capacity or testing hardened concrete for compressive strength to ensure concrete poured on site is compliant. Every material used on a construction site must be approved by the lab for use and it is now my job to do the testing for this.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoyed the programme when I was an apprentice because everything was new and kind of exciting.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned many new skills through experience and training which I am very happy about.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme was very well organised and structured perfectly or my needs.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Whenever i needed help and support on something i would always receive it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider was great and always wanted to help which was the main reason i managed to pass with a distinction.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification has shown me the reasons why things are in place health and safety wise mostly but also why we need to do the things we do on a day to day basis.
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, we are always able to plan social events whether thats as a lab team or as a site as a whole.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are so many ways to grow and so many different roles you can aim for so i think if a friend was interested in working in construction i would definately reccomend it to them
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Be ready to learn a lot right off the bat and try to gain as much knowledge as you can while you are an apprentice. Also be prepared for the long work hours
