Graduate Surveyor Review

From day one, I felt supported by a collaborative team and a culture that values learning and development. The graduate program offers structured training, exposure to different departments, and real responsibility on impactful projects that contribute to the UK’s rail infrastructure. There’s a strong emphasis on innovation and safety, and I’ve had opportunities to work with experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do. The company also invests heavily in personal growth, with clear pathways for progression and access to mentoring.

my main responsibilities include supporting the delivery of infrastructure projects through feasibility studies, planning applications, and stakeholder engagement. I help ensure projects align with strategic objectives, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals, while working closely with engineers, local authorities, and other partners.
What I enjoy most is being involved in shaping projects from concept to delivery. It’s rewarding to contribute to long-term improvements in the rail network and see how planning decisions impact communities and connectivity. The variety of work and the chance to collaborate with different disciplines make the role both challenging and exciting.

My role gives me plenty of opportunities to contribute meaningfully because I’m involved in shaping projects from the early stages. I support feasibility studies, planning applications, and stakeholder engagement, which means my input directly influences how projects progress. Being trusted with real responsibilities and seeing my work feed into decisions that impact communities makes me feel valued.

Network Rail offers a competitive compensation package that reflects the responsibility and impact of the work I do. The salary is fair for a graduate role, and the benefits go beyond pay—such as a generous pension scheme, 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and flexible working options. There are also perks like discounted travel, professional development funding, and access to wellbeing programs.

The role is an excellent foundation for my future career because it combines practical experience with professional development. I’m gaining exposure to planning processes, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery, which are all core competencies for long-term success in the industry. Network Rail also supports graduates working toward chartership, and I’m actively using this experience to progress through my APC (Assessment of Professional Competence).

The support I receive is excellent. From the start, there’s been a clear structure with a dedicated line manager, a buddy system, and access to mentors who guide me through both technical and professional development. The graduate program also provides formal training and regular check-ins, so I always know where I stand and what’s expected.

My work-life balance is very good. Network Rail promotes flexible working, which allows me to manage my time effectively between office, site visits, and remote work. The graduate program is structured so that learning and development fit naturally into the role without overwhelming workloads.

The organisational culture at Network Rail is collaborative, inclusive, and purpose-driven. There’s a clear focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, which shapes how teams work together. The values—such as integrity, respect, and accountability—are reflected in day-to-day interactions, creating an environment where everyone feels their contribution matters.

I would rate Network Rail’s initiatives on equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility very highly. The organisation actively promotes an inclusive culture through clear policies, employee networks, and awareness programs. There’s a strong commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of background.

Yes

Yes, I would definitely recommend Network Rail to a friend. It’s an organisation that offers meaningful work, excellent development opportunities, and a supportive culture. As a graduate, you’re given real responsibility from the start, alongside structured training and mentoring that help you grow professionally and personally.

The role has matched my expectations very well based on the recruitment process. During the application and assessment stages, Network Rail was clear about the responsibilities, development opportunities, and the supportive culture, and that’s exactly what I’ve experienced. The graduate program delivers on its promise of structured training, real project involvement, and progression support, including APC guidance.