Higher Technical Apprentice Review
at Tarmac
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Construction
Leicestershire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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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:
5/5
The first 8 months I spent working in a lab with concrete technologists. Here I was mostly stripping/crushing/making cubes refilling aggregates bags, housekeeping and shadowing the technologists helping them do different kinds of tests for their projects. After I was seconded on to a large busy construction site for 6 months here I was doing quality checking aggregates and concrete leaving the site, putting bags of fibres into the concrete trucks and going onsite to watch how the concrete is poured. After that I returned to the lab for 3 months where I was given my own project where I did my own tests, doing analysis on those tests and then I wrote a report and presented my findings. Now I have been seconded to another major project for the last 6 months of my apprenticeship where I am quality checking results from different contractors.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
At the start it was a bit of a drag because I didn't really feel challenged in the work place. Such as the tasks I had to do were repetitive and boring. I also enjoyed my first secondment meeting new people from across the business and seeing how the while operation worked onsite. When I came back to the lab after my first secondment things got much more interesting being given my own project challenged me a lot. I learned so much doing it and absolutely loved it. On my new secondment its a bit early to give a proper review but I'm really enjoying it so far.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt so much while working at Tarmac. When I started my knowledge on concrete was pretty minimal but having worked here for a while I know a lot about it and to be honest it's really interesting.
Tarmac has also helped with other skills too like teamwork and communication. Internal development programs like core skills exposed you to new areas such as finance and project management. Or Tarmac's early careers development program which exposes you to new people in the business, and puts you in a project with them. Developing your skill set even more.
Tarmac has also helped with other skills too like teamwork and communication. Internal development programs like core skills exposed you to new areas such as finance and project management. Or Tarmac's early careers development program which exposes you to new people in the business, and puts you in a project with them. Developing your skill set even more.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
At the start of my apprenticeship I was confused on what I was meant to be doing. I feel like apprentices should be given their own projects a bit earlier because it develops their skills even more and gives them a better understanding of what they are doing.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Tarmac offers a lot of support and training to it's staff. I felt like Tarmac has gone above and beyond in offering opportunities for growth and expanding your knowledge.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Most of the time it's pretty good you get one day a week dedicated study time. What is annoying in other staff members will try and get you to do work on your study time. Or try and reduce it as much as possible which is frustrating especially when assignments are due in. Sometimes they and get you to record more hours than you have actually done. My line manager hasn't done this but other managers have before.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My course has helped expand my knowledge in the concrete industry and with concrete as a whole.
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 really, there is a Christmas party or a work related event like the concrete show but that's really about it.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Tarmac to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think Tarmac as a whole is a great employer offering learning and work experience opportunities throughout your apprenticeship. I believe that Tarmac sets you up nicely for your future career in the construction industry and is a great employer for work life balance.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Tarmac?
Be consistent in asking to do more challenging work. Also put yourself out there for opportunities to visit other areas of the business. Finally remember if you don't ask you don't get, never be afraid to find opportunities in the business if that's a site visit or volunteering for a new interesting task.
