Site Engineer Apprentice x 3 in Cheshire

About Barhale

Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:

• Water
• Transport
• Built environment
• Energy

We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985. Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.

We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:

• Tunnelling
• MEICA
• Temporary and permanent design
• Steel-fabrication
• Signs (design and fabrication)
• Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE

Why join Barhale?

As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies. Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes. A broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients. Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success.

The Role

The Site Engineer Apprentice will support the delivery of various infrastructure projects across the region. Working under the guidance of experienced technicians and engineers, you will assist with reviewing the planning of works, undertaking site assurance activities and project documentation. This role provides hands-on experience while developing the technical knowledge, skills and behaviours required to progress toward professional technician and engineer status.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support during the construction and project close-out phases.
• Assist with the design, planning and delivery of construction projects while developing an understanding of engineering solutions and how they align with industry standards, specifications and codes of practice.
• Following quality assurance processes.
• Assist with setting out construction works, developing an understanding of how to ensure accuracy and follow project plans.
• Learn how to collect and interpret technical data, supporting engineering designs and decision-making, while developing confidence in basic analysis techniques.
• Assist with identifying and resolving design issues during construction, observing how senior staff apply engineering principles and contributing to simple problem-solving tasks.
• Develop an understanding of document control procedures, helping to check that the correct drawing and document revisions are in use on site and practising good information-management habits.
• Participate in supervised site surveys, inspections and data-gathering activities, building familiarity with design specifications, standards and statutory requirements while learning how compliance is assessed.
• Build communication skills by preparing basic technical notes and contributing to reports, practising the use of appropriate engineering terminology and learning how to present information clearly in both verbal and written formats.

Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness

• Learn how UK Building Regulations, environmental standards and health & safety requirements apply to construction activities, supporting the team in checking compliance while developing a strong understanding of statutory obligations.
• Assist in preparing and contributing to risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work, learning how risk-management processes are applied and how safety documentation is produced and maintained.
• Develop safe working behaviours by observing and promoting good practice on site, understanding the expectations of safety-critical environments and gradually taking responsibility for modelling appropriate conduct.
• Support the application of environmental policies and sustainability principles, including learning about carbon reduction, emissions control and wider sustainability considerations, and helping the team embed these into project activities.
• Help liaise with regulatory authorities under supervision, gaining experience in supporting permit applications, understanding regulatory processes and learning how compliance is demonstrated.
• Follow company procedures and legal obligations, building familiarity with organisational policies, quality systems and statutory requirements while developing professional discipline and accountability.

Technical Support

• Support Civil Engineers in preparing project documentation, such as reports, schedules and cost estimates, while learning how technical information is structured, reviewed and presented in a professional format.
• Develop the ability to interpret technical drawings, working under supervision to understand key symbols, details and specifications, and helping to provide clear guidance to site teams as your confidence grows.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities, learning how to spot opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency or sustainability and sharing observations with the project team to support better ways of working.

Essential:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Maths and English or equivalent or a level 2 qualification, and, where required for the higher-level apprenticeship route, an additional A-level qualification or equivalent or a level 3 qualification.
• Genuine interest in construction and civil engineering.
• Developing communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with clients and colleagues while building confidence in a professional environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team and support others when required.
• Developing good time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively while learning to meet deadlines and manage workload.

Desirable:

• Awareness of the Microsoft Office suite of packages (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Familiarity with basic construction tools, equipment or materials.
• Basic knowledge of CAD or BIM.
• Awareness of HSE.
• UK driving licence.

Caring and investing in you

Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company. As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them. From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by:

• Competitive salary.
• Company Pension.
• Life Assurance.
• Private Medical.
• 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days.
• 8 hours volunteering.
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing.
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice.
• Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position).
• Leadership & management training and coaching.
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression.
• Development supported by internal and externally delivered training.
• Continuous service awards.

Would you like to know more? Please contact our Recruitment team via earlycareers@barhale.co.uk