Graduate Planner Review

During my time as a graduate planner, I gained valuable experience working on two major infrastructure projects. On one scheme, I supported programme development and progress monitoring, ensuring alignment with key milestones and stakeholder requirements. This involved coordinating updates, analysing schedule risks, and contributing to reporting that informed decision-making. On the other project, I expanded my expertise by managing complex earthworks sequencing and integrating cut-and-fill data into planning tools to track performance against KPIs. Whilst on both these projects i have been able to take secondments to help understand the wider business and the roles of others to ensure i had an appreciation for the roles that help make a project successful.

As a graduate planner, your main responsibilities include supporting the development and maintenance of project programmes, ensuring accurate sequencing and resource allocation, and monitoring progress against key milestones. You assist in updating schedules, analysing variances, and preparing reports for stakeholders to keep projects on track. The role also involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing data for KPIs, and contributing to risk assessments and mitigation plans. Through these tasks, you help maintain programme integrity and provide actionable insights to support successful project delivery.

When i started my main focus was short term progress this helped me feed back to the senior planner to embed this programme into the CL32 Programmes we submitted each month. In addition, the KPIs i created helped the site team understand what they needed to achieve in order to maintain key programme dates. These responsibilities ensured i was embedded into the team and became a key contact for the site teams to understand their progress and also help my manager update the programme.

The company car i received was the best benefit as i was travelling a distance for work it meant i didn't need to worry about the finances of owning my own car. Additionally, i was able to work from home on occasions which helped with managing my personal appointments particularly with working away.

The role is giving me an excellent foundation for my future career. Working on complex projects has exposed me to real-world challenges in programme management, stakeholder coordination, and risk analysis. I’ve developed practical skills in planning software, data interpretation, and KPI reporting, while learning how to manage dependencies and adapt to changing priorities. These experiences have not only strengthened my technical knowledge but also improved my communication and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for progressing into more senior planning roles. Overall, the variety and responsibility in this role are preparing me well for a long-term career in project planning and management.

I have great support since i have joined from my managers but also head of department helping to guide you through the graduate programme. In my planning department we have bi weekly calls this allowed me to get to know people who had already done the graduate scheme which helped me to understand what i have to look forward to but also were able to give me more time to help learn new processes.

My work life balance is good most of the time, but the long hours do sometimes make it hard to motivate myself to do more outside of work. Particularly that i worked away it made it more challenging as i did not have my friends local. However, i have noticed that there is more of a focus of creating more groups within work to ensure that there is more of work life balance.

Working at Balfour Beatty has given me the chance to experience a culture that values collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement, which aligns closely with my own approach to work. On projects , I’ve seen how the company’s emphasis on trust and accountability creates an environment where I feel supported to take ownership of tasks and contribute ideas confidently. The focus on sustainability and innovation has encouraged me to think beyond day-to-day planning and consider the bigger picture, while the inclusive atmosphere has helped me build strong relationships across teams. This culture has not only made my role rewarding but has also motivated me to keep developing my skills and aim for long-term growth within the organisation.

From my perspective, Balfour Beatty’s initiatives around equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility have created an environment where I feel respected and supported. The company’s commitment to increasing representation and promoting inclusion is evident through its affinity networks and “Right to Respect” programme, which encourage open conversations and challenge bias. These initiatives have helped me build confidence in contributing ideas and collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Being part of a culture that values fairness and accessibility has not only made my experience positive but also reinforced my belief in working for an organisation that prioritises respect and representation.

Yes

i would recommend balfours because it offers a supportive and inclusive working environment, underpinned by strong values such as safety, trust, and sustainability. The company provides opportunities to work on high-profile, complex projects that help develop technical and professional skills, while also encouraging career progression through structured training and chartership support. Its commitment to equality, diversity, and social responsibility creates a positive culture where employees feel valued and respected. Additionally, Balfour Beatty invests in innovation and sustainability, making it a forward-thinking organisation that contributes meaningfully to communities and the environment.

The role was exactly how i expected it as i had done work experience as a planner beforehand so knew it was a career i wanted.