CAD Technician Review
at Balfour Beatty
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Derby
Review Submitted: April 2026
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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
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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
Apprentice CAD Technician - Allowed me to undergo design work involving 3D and 2D design software which allows continuous learning alongside the active learning during my studies. On a daily basis, this would include general duties such as attending meetings, talking to manufacturers, carrying out site visits and my main role of design and creating drawings for clients and my internal team for on site works.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
My programme overall went really well, the experience with my provider at Loughborough College was very hit and miss during the entire duration of my programme, however Balfour's part in the entire process was very fulfilling and provided me with great learning and opportunities to network and gain vital experience for myself personally and professionally
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout the entire process i have been learning, there is continuous improvement and learning throughout the programme and afterwards. It ensures that whilst you're working, you're able to learn new skills through the education side and then reinforce them within your work, alongside this, you're able to be surrounded with professionals that you're able to learn from whilst continuing your programme
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The programme did have it's flaws in structure, you are given appropriate time to undergo study days and or time in order to do assignment work however it does need flexibility at times as there are heavier terms than others in terms of work etc. The way in which the programme is structured by the provider wasn't the best as it was a newer course and they we're unsure on how the structure was to be done, this did cause some complications. The EPA process was horrendous for this programme and has severally set me back in terms of enrolling for new programmes for development and it seemed as the organisers were more reactive than proactive in their support and
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employers support has been good overall, they do provide assistance where needed and the management of it has been good, it also was good that I also did manage the programme myself too. This helped me develop my time management skills and stakeholder management skills
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The training provider support whilst in the college was standard as you'd expect, however over time it tapered off significantly and the support was minimal. Their attitude to helping the student was appalling at times
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The training that i received was important for me to carry out my role appropriately and gave me great context and information that was essential to me developing as a CAD Designer
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
Balfour Beatty is really impressive with the activities that they provide to their employees, their are voluntary events that employees can sign up to. For apprentices and Graduates, they have the early careers visits that allow networking in a environment separate from the professional environment
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Huge company that is flexible with it's employees and really strives to develop their own, it's a place to thrive within and build already existing skills and allows for great opportunities to progress to each employee.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Being open and honest with your aspirations and gaols, this ensures that Balfour can help tailor to you.
