graduate civil engineer Review
at Network Rail
Graduate Scheme
Civil Engineering
Cardiff / Caerdydd
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
4.8/5
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Network Rail?
Amazing , very great scheme which has pushed me to interact and move around the business and presented many opportunities for training and development.
The business prioritises graduates and makes the time to ensure they can gain experience.
The business prioritises graduates and makes the time to ensure they can gain experience.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Multiple rotations within Capital delivery , structures , commercial areas, project management . Particularly for my region in Wales and western , wherever i wanted to venture i could. I particularly got the chance to go and work with maintenance and visit site , and experience night shifts.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
My roles in placements have actually had wider impacts in helping teams whether admin , managing my own remits , or producing excel trackers and formulating business cases which are presented.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
Some decent rail travel discounts , however to improve would it be available for family members and those close to me, so the benefit is felt.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Very well, i feel confident to move into multiple areas within the business.
Learning about the different roles and departments , allowing me to experience various work environments and teams.
Learning about the different roles and departments , allowing me to experience various work environments and teams.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
Very much , i have a lot of training courses i am enrolled to and funded for , to develop my track knowledge and professional managerial skills.
Also working to Accreditation with the ICE.
Alongside many training courses internally.
Also working to Accreditation with the ICE.
Alongside many training courses internally.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Mentors in place , line managers are very open and always respond to any question. We also have buddies who plan and guide us through the familiarisation.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
It depends on the placement and manager but most of my managers have been reasonable and understanding, and do not want to overwhelm and overwork graduates and are very mindful to check in with me.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Very welcoming , no judgement on working policies and accomodating different situations and making space for health problems. Very positive with many organisations surrounded around diversity and inclusion.
How would you rate Network Rail initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Any issues , even at a graduate experienced regarding equality and inclusion , if we address them are heard and moved up. Graduates are allowed to express how they feel , and if they found anything unfair or experienced prejudiced we are encouraged to genuinely speak out.
How would you rate Network Rail CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Loads of volunteering schemes , and we are also provided volunteer leave , however in my experience my placement manager and workload i didnt take up as many this year. however we are encouraged to.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Definitely , coming out of Uni and worried about the problems people often face in the workplace especially as a POC . NR assured me and made me feel welcome and able to grow in confidence . particularly the Wales Graduate Team , their efforts do not go missed.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Exceeded what i expected during recruitment , everything promised has been delivered and if we as a graduate cohort have any issues we have direct communication and the scheme delivery team work hard to fix things.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Network Rail?
Be yourself , during the interviews. The process is not like a lot of corporate and big companies , its not there to catch you out , its not made to be scary or trick you. I made mistakes and didn't know some answers but that was not the end of the world.
