Graduate Civil Engineer Review
at Costain
Graduate Scheme
Civil Engineering
Reading
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
3.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.3/5
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Overview of the Role
4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
3/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Costain?
It has been good, I have been given the freedom to learnt a lot of key skills in people management which has really helped me come out of my shell. However, there is a lack of benefits offered by the company for graduates.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Project and construction management.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
1/5
In Costain, all graduates get a fixed salary when starting regardless of qualification or previous experience. Also, the contracted hours can differ between projects and this is not reflected in the change of salary meaning some graduates will have a lower hourly rate. For example I work 45 hour weeks and some graduates have 37 hour weeks but we both receive the same salary.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
How is your work-life balance?
2/5
Working away from home all week with no opportunities for working from home
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
How would you rate Costain initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
How would you rate Costain CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Costain to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They have a plethora of major projects across the country with loads of training opportunities.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Costain?
n/a
