Graduate Civil Engineer Review

Overall, my experience at Balfour Beatty has been extremely positive and genuinely rewarding. Working on the M25 Junction 10/A3 Wisley Interchange project has given me exposure to complex, high–profile civil engineering works and allowed me to develop both technically and professionally.
From the outset, I’ve felt well supported by my team, mentors, and the wider Graduate Scheme structure. The culture on site is collaborative, safety-focused, and encourages continuous learning, which has made a real difference to my confidence and growth as a young engineer. I’ve been trusted with meaningful responsibilities, involved in decision-making, and given opportunities to broaden my experience across different disciplines.
I feel that Balfour Beatty invests in its people, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of a team delivering such an important scheme for the region. My experience so far has reinforced my ambition to progress towards chartership and to continue building my career within the company.

As a Graduate Civil Engineer on the M25 Junction 10/A3 Wisley Interchange project, my main responsibilities include supporting the delivery of daily site operations, carrying out inspections, ensuring works are delivered safely and in line with specifications, and assisting with quality documentation such as ITPs, check sheets, and red-line drawings. I also help supervise subcontractors, monitor progress against the programme, liaise with design and temporary works teams, and contribute to solving on-site engineering challenges as they arise.
A significant part of my role has involved setting out for roadworks, ensuring that levels, alignments and key positions are accurate to allow construction to progress efficiently and to the required standard. I have also worked within the landscaping elements of the scheme, supporting soft works, environmental requirements, and reinstatement activities. These experiences have broadened my technical understanding and given me a strong appreciation of how different disciplines interact on a major highways project.
What I enjoy most is the variety. The project is made up of so many different roles and specialisms—from earthworks and drainage to structures, traffic management, and environmental works—which has given me the chance to explore different areas, learn from experienced teams, and continue developing my skills. The hands-on, problem-solving nature of site work is particularly rewarding, and I value the opportunity to work closely with operatives, supervisors, and engineers to deliver high-quality results.
Being trusted with real responsibility early in my career has helped build my confidence, improve my communication skills, and show me the tangible impact of the work I contribute to. Overall, I find the role both motivating and fulfilling, and it has provided an excellent environment for my growth as a young engineer.

My role gives me a genuine opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the project, and I feel valued by my team on a day-to-day basis. From early on, I have been trusted with real responsibilities—whether that’s setting out key elements of the works, carrying out inspections, coordinating with subcontractors, or supporting quality and safety processes. Knowing that my work directly supports the progress and delivery of such a major scheme makes my contribution feel significant.
The team culture on the M25 J10/A3 Wisley Interchange project is very supportive, and people are always willing to share knowledge and involve me in important discussions. I’m encouraged to ask questions, put forward ideas, and take ownership of tasks, which has helped me grow in confidence and feel like a genuine part of the team rather than just a graduate observing from the sidelines.
I also feel appreciated when colleagues acknowledge the effort I put in on site, especially during challenging periods or when deadlines are tight. The trust placed in me—and the positive feedback I receive—shows that my contribution is valued, and it motivates me to continue developing and delivering high-quality work. Overall, I feel that my role allows me to make a meaningful impact while being supported and respected by those around me.

I feel that my compensation package as a Graduate Civil Engineer at Balfour Beatty fairly reflects the responsibility and contribution involved in my role. The salary is competitive for the industry, and it has progressed in line with my development and the increasing level of responsibility I’ve taken on throughout the graduate scheme.
The wider benefits package also adds significant value. Access to professional development support—particularly towards chartership—has been a major benefit, as it directly supports my long-term career goals. Other perks such as pension contributions, holiday entitlement, healthcare options, and employee discounts all contribute to a well-rounded package that supports both my personal and professional wellbeing.
Overall, I feel that the combination of salary, benefits, and structured development opportunities demonstrates a fair level of remuneration and shows that Balfour Beatty invests in and values its graduates.

I feel that my role is preparing me extremely well for my future career. Working on the M25 Junction 10/A3 Wisley Interchange project has given me exposure to a wide range of real, hands-on engineering challenges that you simply can’t learn in a classroom. From setting out and inspections to managing quality documentation, coordinating with subcontractors, and contributing to problem-solving on site, I’ve developed a strong practical foundation that will be invaluable as I progress.
The graduate scheme structure has also supported my development by giving me clear goals, regular feedback, and access to experienced mentors who guide me through both technical and professional skills. The variety of disciplines on the project—roadworks, structures, drainage, landscaping, temporary works, and more—has allowed me to build a broad understanding of major infrastructure delivery, which is essential for becoming a well-rounded engineer.
This experience has strengthened my confidence, improved my communication and leadership skills, and reinforced my ambition to work towards chartership. I genuinely feel that the role is setting me up for long-term success and giving me everything I need to grow into a competent and capable engineer.

The support I receive has been consistently strong throughout my time on the project. My line manager, senior engineers, and the wider team are always approachable and willing to help, whether I need technical guidance, clarification on a task, or general advice about my development. There is a genuine culture of support on the M25 J10/A3 Wisley Interchange project, and people take the time to explain things properly and ensure I understand the bigger picture behind the work I’m doing.
The graduate scheme itself offers structured support through regular reviews, mentoring, and clear development pathways, which has helped me stay on track and work towards my long-term goals. I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, or requesting feedback, and the responses I receive are constructive and encouraging.
Overall, the level of support has played a big role in my confidence and progression, and it makes the working environment both positive and motivating.

Overall, my work–life balance has been good, especially considering the scale and pace of the project. Working on a major highways scheme like the M25 J10/A3 Wisley Interchange naturally comes with busy periods and tight deadlines, but the team is very understanding, and there is a strong emphasis on wellbeing and managing workloads sensibly.
I feel that expectations are clear, and I’m trusted to organise my time effectively, which helps me maintain a healthy balance between work and my personal life. When the project has required extra effort, the support from colleagues and the flexibility offered by the company have made it manageable. There’s also an appreciation that time off and rest are important, which is respected.
Overall, I feel that Balfour Beatty promotes a positive approach to work–life balance, and I’ve been able to stay productive and motivated without feeling overwhelmed.

The organisational culture at Balfour Beatty is professional, supportive, and collaborative. There is a clear focus on safety, quality, and delivering projects to a high standard, which is embedded in everything the company does. On site, this translates into a culture where everyone looks out for one another, communicates openly, and works together to solve challenges efficiently.
The company’s values—integrity, care, excellence, and collaboration—are evident in daily interactions. Senior engineers and site teams lead by example, encouraging honesty, accountability, and mutual respect. At the same time, there is a genuine commitment to developing people, with structured graduate schemes, mentoring, and opportunities to learn across a variety of disciplines.
Overall, the atmosphere is positive and motivating. People are approachable, willing to share knowledge, and supportive of professional development, which makes it an excellent environment for a young engineer to grow and thrive.

Balfour Beatty demonstrates a positive commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and there are clear initiatives and policies in place to promote an inclusive culture. I’ve seen efforts to ensure fairness and respect across the workplace, and the company encourages a supportive environment where everyone can contribute.
That said, there is still room for improvement. While the foundations are strong, there could be further opportunities to actively increase awareness, provide more tailored training, and ensure that inclusion is consistently embedded across all projects and teams. Overall, I feel that Balfour Beatty is moving in the right direction, and continued focus in this area could make the culture even stronger.

Yes

Yes, I would definitely recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend. The company provides an excellent environment for professional and personal development, particularly for graduates entering the civil engineering industry. The combination of structured support through the graduate scheme, exposure to high-profile and varied projects like the M25 Junction 10/A3 Wisley Interchange, and the opportunity to take on real responsibility makes it an ideal place to start and grow a career.
Beyond professional development, the culture on site and across the company is supportive, collaborative, and inclusive, with a genuine focus on safety, quality, and teamwork. The company also invests in its people through training, mentoring, and opportunities for progression, which makes employees feel valued and motivated. Overall, I believe Balfour Beatty offers a rewarding and enriching experience that I would be happy to recommend to others.

The role has met and, in many ways, exceeded my expectations based on the recruitment process. During recruitment, I was made aware of the opportunities for hands-on site experience, exposure to a variety of disciplines, and structured support through the graduate scheme, and this has largely been reflected in my day-to-day work.
What has impressed me most is the level of responsibility and trust I’ve been given early on, as well as the variety of tasks and teams I’ve been able to work with—from setting out and inspections to landscaping and temporary works. The role has provided real challenges and learning opportunities that go beyond what I initially expected, and the supportive team environment has made it an even more positive experience. Overall, the role aligns very closely with the expectations set during recruitment, while also offering additional opportunities for growth and development.