This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Apprenticeship disciplines listed, from electrician to quantity surveying
- 13
- Source: Balfour Beatty (opens in a new tab)
- Typical length, from intermediate (about two years) to degree (four to five years)
- 2–5 years
- Source: Balfour Beatty (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Balfour Beatty is a big UK construction and infrastructure company. Its apprenticeships page sets out four levels, with how long each takes, the qualification you’d get and general entry requirements for each.
That makes it worth a look even if you’re not set on construction, because it shows really clearly how the responsibility, qualifications and entry requirements change as the levels go up.
What you could do
Balfour Beatty has 13 apprenticeship areas: electrician, plant maintenance and highways maintenance through to civil and mechanical engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, planning, procurement, digital engineering, IT and finance. In a February 2026 article, the company said apprentices learn from colleagues on real projects from day one, with training both on site and through college or university partners.
Pay and perks
Balfour Beatty says apprentices get a salary that goes up with experience, a pension, flexible benefits, access to its Share Incentive Plan and up to 25 days’ holiday, and that it pays college fees. It doesn’t publish how much apprentices earn, so ask about pay if you get to interview.
What they do
Balfour Beatty describes itself as an infrastructure company. Its areas of expertise include civil engineering, construction, ground engineering, highways, mechanical and electrical engineering, rail and specialist services.
Apprenticeships they offer
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Intermediate apprenticeships
Typically two years, leading to an NVQ Level 2 or Level 2 Diploma.
-
Advanced apprenticeships
Two to four years, leading to an NVQ Level 3 or Level 3 Diploma.
-
Higher apprenticeships
Around three years, leading to NVQ Level 4 or 5, an HNC or HND, or potentially a foundation degree.
-
Degree and graduate apprenticeships
Around four to five years, leading to a full degree and professional qualifications such as Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Surveyor. Balfour Beatty says degree apprenticeships are available in England and graduate apprenticeships in Scotland.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Intermediate
- No formal qualifications required. Aptitude tests may be needed for some trade roles. General guidance on Balfour Beatty's apprenticeships page. Individual roles can differ.
- Advanced
- Generally three GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English, maths and a science, or a completed Level 2 intermediate apprenticeship. General guidance on Balfour Beatty's apprenticeships page.
- Higher
- Typically at least two A levels (A*–C) and five GCSEs including English, maths and a science, or a completed Level 3 advanced apprenticeship. General guidance on Balfour Beatty's apprenticeships page.
- Degree and graduate
- Typically at least three A levels or four Highers (A*–C) and five GCSEs including English, maths and a science, or a completed Level 3 advanced apprenticeship (England) or Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland). General guidance on Balfour Beatty's apprenticeships page.
Our tips for Balfour Beatty
- Balfour Beatty publishes entry guidance for every level, which makes it a great place to see what different levels ask for.
- If you live in Scotland, look for graduate apprenticeships instead of degree apprenticeships. They're the Scottish version.
- Check whether a role is site-based. In construction you'll often move between different projects over time.
- A finished lower-level apprenticeship can count instead of GCSEs or A levels for the next level up, so you can work your way up step by step.
Summary
- Balfour Beatty offers apprenticeships at four levels and in 13 areas, including trades, engineering, surveying, IT and business support.
- They last from about two years (intermediate) to four or five years (degree), and you get 25 days' holiday.
- Entry requirements go from no formal qualifications for intermediate roles to three A levels for degree apprenticeships.
- Finishing one level of apprenticeship can get you onto the next.
Related video
From apprentices to experts: building careers at Balfour Beatty
Questions about Balfour Beatty apprenticeships
Do you need qualifications for a Balfour Beatty apprenticeship?
Not for intermediate roles: Balfour Beatty says no formal qualifications are needed, though some trade roles have aptitude tests. Advanced apprenticeships generally need three GCSEs at grades 9–4 including English, maths and a science.
How long is a Balfour Beatty apprenticeship?
About two years for intermediate, two to four years for advanced, around three years for higher, and four to five years for degree and graduate apprenticeships.
Does Balfour Beatty offer apprenticeships in Scotland?
Yes. It says degree apprenticeships are available in England and graduate apprenticeships in Scotland. Our Scotland guide explains how Graduate Apprenticeships work.
Can I move up from one Balfour Beatty apprenticeship to the next?
Yes. A finished intermediate apprenticeship can get you onto an advanced one, and a finished advanced apprenticeship onto a higher or degree one.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- Apprentices (opens in a new tab)
- Nathan McGinley's Balfour Beatty apprenticeship (opens in a new tab) Published 10 February 2026.