Apprenticeships continue to offer a powerful route into skilled, meaningful careers. In the 2024-25 academic year alone, 353,500 apprentices started courses in the UK – a 4% increase from the previous academic year.
It’s clear that more people than ever are looking for ways to earn, learn and build their future at the same time.
At Balfour Beatty, apprenticeships are a core part of how we support the next generation of talent. We’re also meeting future skills demand, by creating a pipeline of knowledge and key skills across the UK.
Our opportunities span across a wide range of career pathways – from engineering and construction to project management, quantity surveying, digital roles and business support. Balfour Beatty apprentices gain hands-on experience whilst working towards industry-recognised qualifications.
We also spoke to one of our very own Apprentice Civil Engineers, Nathan McGinley. Nathan shares his experience of working and learning on the Net Zero Teesside (NZT) Power project in the North East of England.
Balfour Beatty apprenticeships
Our apprenticeship programmes are designed to give people structured routes into the construction and infrastructure industry, at all stages of their career.
Apprentices learn directly from colleagues on live projects, meaning they gain practical skills, professional confidence and the transition to contributing to work that shapes communities.
The key benefit? You’re earning while you learn. Apprentices pick up skills in real time, guided by mentors who are experts in their field. They gain the chance to embed technical knowledge as well as professional behaviours and teamwork.
When is National Apprenticeship Week 2026?
National Apprenticeship Week will take place on 9–15 February 2026 in England (Scottish Apprenticeship Week falls on 2-6 March).
It’s the perfect moment to explore how apprenticeships shape futures – and how Balfour Beatty supports people to grow their meaningful careers for life.
Why complete an apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty?
Beyond gaining a qualification, our apprentices join a business dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive working environment.
We also offer the chance to work on and learn from the UK’s most exciting infrastructure projects.
Every apprentice at Balfour Beatty receives:
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A competitive salary and benefits package, including 25 days’ annual leave
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A clear development pathway, supported by experienced colleagues and mentors
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Real project experience from day one
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Ongoing training, delivered both on site and through college or university partners
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A strong, inclusive culture, where everyone’s contribution is valued
Our apprenticeships are available across a range of levels, including Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree levels. It’s an approach designed to set apprentices up for long‑term success.
Nathan McGinley’s journey as an Apprentice Civil Engineer
Nathan McGinley, from Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough, joined Balfour Beatty as an Apprentice Civil Engineer working on the NZT Power project. Just 15 minutes from his home, the project is creating new job opportunities in Teesside – something that immediately inspired him to get involved.
“It’s a huge project within Teesside, so to be a part of something in my local community means a lot to me.”
Balfour Beatty is the main construction partner for NZT Power, working to deliver the project alongside a consortium led by Technip Energies with GE Vernova.
The plant is poised to be the world’s first gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage, capable of generating more than 740 megawatts of flexible, dispatchable low-carbon power. This is equivalent to the annual electricity requirements of more than a million UK homes. Up to 2 million tonnes of CO2 a year will be captured from NZT Power and then transported and stored by the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) infrastructure. This is the UK’s first CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure project.
Nathan began his journey on the project during its early stages, working with the UKCS team on mobilisation before moving into Earthworks.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be on the project from very early days. It’s been great working with different people, learning from them and seeing how different parts of the business operate.”
Life on the NZT Power project
For Nathan, the culture and people on site make a huge difference.
“On this project, we’re building something that’s genuinely set to be a world‑first. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn, and that’s what I love about being here. I’m gaining real hands‑on experience, building skills and confidence every day, and there’s this sense of achievement that makes me incredibly proud to be part of the team. Most of all, I enjoy working with the people here. I’ve met some brilliant people since I joined.”
That team spirit keeps Nathan motivated each day. “I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the office and out on site. We’ve got a great team and culture here, and it makes it a joy to come to work.”
Why Nathan chose Balfour Beatty for his apprenticeship
Nathan knew quickly that Balfour Beatty was the right fit. “You could see the culture of the company straight away - how it operates, the environment. Being the UK’s largest construction company speaks for itself.”
He also valued the support for his development. “It was important for me to start from the bottom and learn the fundamentals. Balfour Beatty offered exactly that – support, learning and real experience on site.”
His advice for anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship at Balfour Beatty?
“One hundred percent go for it. It’s a brilliant company with a great culture.”
Start your apprenticeship journey with Balfour Beatty
Whether you’re leaving school, changing career or looking for a different way into the industry, an apprenticeship can open new doors. As Nathan’s story shows, being part of a supportive team, gaining real experience and contributing to meaningful projects offers a strong start to any career.
Nathan sums up what it means to be working and learning on the NZT Power project:
“To be a part of something of this scale – and something so close to home – means a lot to me.”
Balfour Beatty offers apprenticeships across civil, mechanical & digital engineering pathways, health, safety environment & sustainability, business services and more.
Start exploring apprenticeship opportunities with Balfour Beatty today and learn as you earn.
