Balfour Beatty is pledging more than 50 new apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March) as part of its commitment to recruiting and developing the civil engineers, electricians, skilled trades and project leaders.

Balfour Beatty currently employs over 200 apprentices and National Apprenticeship Week provides a platform to celebrate the positive impact that apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the economy.

The 2014 pledge is in line with a commitment to ensure that within five years, 5% of Balfour Beatty's UK workforce are graduates, apprentices or sponsored students. Balfour Beatty is committed to offering new and increased opportunities for new entrants who follow structured training schemes.

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This year, for the first time, Balfour Beatty is putting a selection of its apprenticeship positions on the National Apprenticeship Service's website, as a 'one–stop shop' for those looking for apprenticeships in the UK and an added opportunity to attract young and emerging talent to the industry.

Thomas Hyland started his career with Balfour Beatty as an electrical apprentice. During his apprenticeship he gained an NVQ Level 2 and 3 in his chosen profession and is now working in the Nuclear New Build part of the company. In 2013, he was named Balfour Beatty's 'Apprentice of the Year'.

He said: "I knew that Balfour Beatty has a highly skilled workforce and all their apprentices are trained to a high standard, which was what I was looking for.

"They are excellent at recognising and developing talent within the business and I would recommend anyone with the determination to succeed in the construction industry to give apprenticeships a go."

Nicholas Pollard, Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK Chief Executive Officer, added: "I know that the future of our industry depends on finding and investing in the next generation of engineers, project managers and skilled trades.

"We are committed to ensuring that five percent of our workforce is apprentices, graduates or sponsored students within five years so that we can maintain the highest quality workforce right here in the UK."

(CD/JP)