Pros
I was working on the Tideway West project, the project itself was exciting and there were some genuinely nice people to work alongside who I did find supportive and willing to help. However, beyond that the cons do outweigh and hide any other pros I could possibly think of.
Cons
I don't wish to specifically name my manager, but I would like to specify that I worked in the communications team under her and she is currently Head of Communications, Community Relations and Community Investment on the Tideway West project. The way in which I was treated by both her and HR as a 17 year old apprentice, not only new to working in general but also working for a construction company etc. was appalling. On arrival, work was expected from me that you would only expect from someone who was in the industry and knew what they were doing for 5 years minimum. I never had thorough teaching or introductions to tasks or guides, no gentle hand holding for the first few attempts at completing objectives etc. Instead I was told I should be proactive and figure out exactly what needed doing myself and figure out the right people to speak to. Needless to say, I struggled. Very poor working expectations were set for me, and set for other staff members. 5/6 years on and being what I would consider very successful, especially for my age, I have never seen this expectation for workers set anywhere else. You had to arrive early, had to leave late. Otherwise you would be considered lazy. Mistakes were not allowed, at all. There was nobody you could comfortably ask for help, I was scared to reach out. The standard for which work had to be completed at was at such a level of perfection that was beyond unattainable. There was zero room for error. Of course, sometimes work does have to be perfect that I understand. But from a 17 year old who was expected to figure it out for themselves, I think not. As a result of all of the above, I did not pass probation and was put on review. What a shock (not). When I finally reached out to HR, and spent many hours speaking to them. I was given a list of things I could improve on. One in particular stands out and I wish to highlight. I was told that I should be more accepting of my mistakes and be able to own up to them. A month or so after being told this, I had my final probation review. As you would expect a lot of questions were asked one of which being if I could see any mistakes I might of made. I genuinely believed I had made a lot of improvements, these I highlighted. I then admitted to some areas where I thought I could have done better and some areas I made errors. As per the conversation with HR and one of my suggestions for improvement. This was then immediately used against me and I was dismissed. I do not hold a grudge for being dismissed as it landed me where I am now and if I had not been dismissed I worry for how sad and depressing my life would be if I was still at Balfour Beatty. However, the damage that was done emotionally, and the poor working expectations that were placed upon me have taken a long time to undo and unlearn and I still would say I have a long way to go. Working at three other companies not once have I been made to feel the way that this manager in particular and HR made me feel. Not once have I had to have this perfect standard upon entering a completely new space. Yet I often find myself worried about my job security and often feel a great sense of fear and imposter syndrome. Despite those around me often complimenting the quality of my work and my general work demeanor. But the damage was done. I am unsure on the rest of Balfour Beatty or other teams within but I would strongly advise against entering the communications team ESPECIALLY at an entry or apprentice level.