Commercial Management Graduate Review
at Forterra
Graduate Scheme
Business Management
Whittlesey
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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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 Forterra?
My experience at Forterra has been a great opportunity for professional development. In my role, I've been given the chance to take part in range of business projects, working alongside senior colleagues, to both learn and explore my own ideas. This has been a valuable experience as I have been able to develop new and existing skills, from analysing and presenting data, designing new customer service processes, introducing new software systems and presenting business cases that aid commercial decision making. Combined with help and guidance from experienced and supportive colleagues, I have really enjoyed being able to learn and add value where possible.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My main responsibilities are to work on assigned projects that contribute to improving customer service or business performance. The elements I enjoy the most are formulating new ideas to make business functions more efficient, improving our service, to an industry that is key for providing essential housing, infrastructure and supporting communities.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
In my role I am often leading individual projects and reaching out for support from around the business when necessary. Having this ownership of projects gives me the freedom and responsibility to have a big impact, with my work going on to support and aid decision making that effects large parts of the business.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
I think my salary is fair for someone of my age and experience, with also having a company car a feature I'm grateful for.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
In my role I have learnt lots of business specific knowledge and processes that would well equip me for a permanent role after the graduate scheme. In addition the skills I have developed such as presenting, data analysing and system building are highly transferable to a range of business roles and therefore give me a broad scope for future career opportunities.
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
My day to day role gives me specific, real world, skill development that I can use to make an impact on the business and add value. This combined with my apprenticeship, which gives me a broad understating of key business fundamentals, provides a comprehensive skill base that continues develop.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
The support I have received has been fantastic. The people team made onboarding easy and enjoyable and continue to keep in contact. I have a line manager and rotation manager who are both always available and offering support and guidance where possible, as well as a former graduate mentor who helps me day to day, sharing her experience.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
I think my working hours are good, allowing me to fulfil my role, without being excessive. I also have a work from home day once a week to complete my apprenticeship work.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The office atmosphere is really relaxed and social, with all colleagues friendly and approachable, making it an enjoyable place to work.
How would you rate Forterra initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Forterra provide mandatory training for EDI, ensuring high standards of respect and equality.
How would you rate Forterra CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Charity events are widely promoted throughout the business, with individual, company wide and site specific initiatives, as well a company donation matching scheme. Sustainability is also a huge part of the business with many projects I've seen as well as some I've been apart of, centred around environmental responsibility.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Forterra to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The support from colleagues, the freedom and ownership of projects, and the trust you receive as a graduate makes the role really enjoyable and great for professional development.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
My expectations of the role were high as the recruitment process was a great experience and my role has met them, with access to resources and support from colleagues continuing to go above and beyond.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Forterra?
When attending the assessment centre, make sure to show your knowledge and research of the industry as it demonstrates interest in the business. Also make sure to be yourself as showing your personality is important to where you might fit in around the business.
