Billy Walton, Concrete Technician

Concrete Technician

Billy's job title is Laboratory Manager at Balfour Beatty

Group of people in hi-viz coats in a room

What I do

When I started as a technician I was doing a lot of lab testing and on-site work, but now I am a Laboratory Manager, I conduct statistical analysis and when something is not quite right, I look at the trends and take action from there.

It’s a combination of going into the office, so I can liaise with the rest of the site, and staying in to manage my lab. In the lab we quality assure all the materials being used in construction projects – I make sure all the equipment is calibrated and the materials are being tested. I also look into the materials engineering side of things.

Hear more about Billy's role by watching the video below...

How I became a technician

Only three years after completing my last EPA at NVQ Level 3, I was promoted to Laboratory Manager, which I really appreciated.

I did a Level 3 Sub Diploma in Forensic Science at college, but I realised I couldn’t cope with the sight of blood. I looked on the government website for apprenticeships and saw a Laboratory Technician job for Balfour Beatty and I signed up.

I got the job and started a Level 2 apprenticeship in technical and science-related activities for Industrial Science. After two years of completing my course work and end-point assessment (EPA) I moved on to Level 3.

Only three years after completing my last EPA at NVQ Level 3, I was promoted to Laboratory Manager, which I really appreciated.

I did a Level 3 Sub Diploma in Forensic Science at college, but I realised I couldn’t cope with the sight of blood. I looked on the government website for apprenticeships and saw a Laboratory Technician job for Balfour Beatty and I signed up.

A surprising thing about my job

That laboratories even exist in the construction industry! I had no idea they did until I started working here.

Different projects pose different challenges and with them, new and different people.

I take a lot of pride in my work. I feel what I do makes a difference.

Different projects pose different challenges and with them, new and different people.

I take a lot of pride in my work. I feel what I do makes a difference.

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

When I’m working on the materials engineering side of things, I look at the statistics of all the tests I’m doing to make sure everything is good or if there are going to be problems - before they become problems, which is something I really like doing.

The best bits about working in a team

The camaraderie on every single team I’ve worked with here has been really good. I love working in this department because your team becomes like your family. It’s heart-wrenching when people leave, but it keeps it interesting, because different projects pose different challenges, and each new challenge brings different people.

The most exciting thing I have achieved so far in my job

I take a lot of pride in my work. I feel what I do makes a difference, especially in the research and development and the chem-free trials coming up. If they are a success, it will be great because it reduces the company’s carbon footprint and reducing CO2 emissions helps the environment. Being a cog in the machine working on that makes me feel very proud.

What are the next steps in your career journey?

I got a lot of support from the training provider and from the company. I have learnt so much and it’s given me the foundation needed to excel in my career.