Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) has provided more than sixty people with craft apprenticeships since 2010, giving them the opportunity to become leading mechanical and electrical engineers.

The scheme, which provides training and development for the next generation of skilled apprentices, has seen 61 apprentices receive training with 15 placements since January 2013. Apprentices have the opportunity to work alongside fully qualified employees on some of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects, including major hospitals, universities and commercial schemes. These projects provide our apprentices with training in a number of areas such as installing circuits, wiring, security, drainage, heating and ventilation and form the basis for their professional career.

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Alastair Green joined in 1994 as a craft apprentice. He has since progressed to being a Labour Manager. Alastair said: "As Labour Manager, I ensure we recruit the best apprentices and develop them throughout their training to gain the knowledge and expertise to deliver our future projects."

Ian Lambie, a second year plumbing apprentice, said: "During my first two years, I benefited from studying in college and then being able to apply that learning to a wide range of construction sites such as a prison, a sports centre and a university block. As a result of working with skilled tradesmen I have gained competence in different areas of plumbing and increased my confidence and communications skills. I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship and hope to be here for many years to come."

Balfour Beatty has been invited to contribute to the Government's new Trailblazer scheme as the electrotechnical lead. As part of this scheme, Balfour Beatty is developing new degree-level apprenticeships in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Building Services Engineering and Quantity Surveying.

(CD/MH)