Derby Dozen - Case Studies
Landau Forte College
Hi, I'm Bella, a Social Impact Co-ordinator at Balfour Beatty. Outside of work, I'm a volunteer, football coach and player, and on the committee as the Chair of a Ladies' and Girls' Football . Although I consider myself quite an introvert, most people are surprised when I tell them that!
My experience at school was mixed. I wasn't particularly popular or shy, but I often felt like I didn't quite fit in. Like many people, I found the COVID years difficult and struggled with my mental health. Despite this, I completed my A-levels and achieved the grades I needed to continue my education, which was a huge achievement for me.
I went on to study Sport at university, but after my first year I realised it wasn't the right path for me and decided to leave. A few years later, I started an apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty in August 2025, and it's been the best decision I've made. Within a year, I earned a promotion and now manage projects of my own.
Looking ahead, I want to continue developing my career and building my skills. I've discovered a real interest in data and would love to explore that further in the future. If there's one thing I've learned from my journey so far, it's that life doesn't always go to plan, and that's okay. Some of the best opportunities come from taking a chance, backing yourself and saying yes to something new.