Sustainability Graduate Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Scheme
Sustainability
Canary Wharf
Review Submitted: September 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 Balfour Beatty?
Everyone has been very welcoming since I joined the team. They have a great early careers set up to introduce you to other new starters and find out more about the company. The graduate scheme is excellent as it is giving me the opportunity to rotate between three teams within sustainability, giving me an opportunity to fully understand the logistics of the team. I have only been with Balfour Beatty for a month and yet I have learnt a substantial amount about the company. I have been introduced to numerous colleagues outside my team in the likes of procurement and health and safety which has given me a holistic view of the company.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
I rotate between the social impact team. I start with Modern Slavery and Human Rights for six months. Then I rotate to Responsible Sourcing and finally I will be with Social Impact.
With Modern Slavery and Human Rights I have been putting together an upskilling training pack on modern slavery statements to send to suppliers who have not met the requirements.
With Modern Slavery and Human Rights I have been putting together an upskilling training pack on modern slavery statements to send to suppliers who have not met the requirements.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I have already had a chance to present to the director of Social Impact and present some very meaningful findings regarding a benchmark of Balfour Beatty's modern slavery statement against other UK construction companies.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
I have not fully explored the benefits but I know there is a list of perks such as discounted gym membership, cinema tickets, shopping etc.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
The graduate scheme is giving me a thorough understanding of the corporate lifestyle as well as giving me the opportunity to upskill using platforms such as 'The Supply Chain Sustainability School' where I can undertake training in areas I wish to improve on. For example as a human geographer, I am looking to improve my knowledge on more scientific areas such as carbon.
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
I learn new skills every day. Recently I was given the opportunity to present and get some beneficial advice to reflect on. Furthermore, my IT skills have improved as I have used Excel more. My specific knowledge on modern slavery and human rights has quickly developed as I was given an upskilling pack with the theoretical knowledge.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
My Manager has been excellent at keeping in contact and checking in on me. I felt very supported and welcomed into the team. Furthermore, my mentor made direct contact with me within the first weeks and gave me very useful guidance and answered all my questions. Everyone in the team was very willing to support me and help with whatever queries I had.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
After work I still have time to commit to hobbies such as going to the gym and seeing friends etc. With the ability to work hybrid this allows for an extra level of flexibility.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The sustainability team is very supportive, friendly and welcoming. I was also introduced to people in the wider organisation who shared the same traits. Everyone I've met is very willing to explain what they do and how they can help. Another positive aspect is how enthusiastic people are to get you to go on site visits and see the tangible aspect of the work.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Everyone is supportive and inclusive. Early careers events planners ensure they ask questions to make events fit around accessibility and general needs and requirements
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Being from the Sustainability Team, I can firmly say they are a very proactive company who have multiple volunteering day and have a very inspirational team monitoring the environmental and ethical aspects of the company.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have absolutely loved meeting so many likeminded innovative people within the sustainability team. It feels like everyone is playing a part in contributing to real change within the company. With the climate changing so rapidly, being a part of such a large company who values their sustainability team is so motivating.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
I knew what to expect as I took part in a summer placement with Balfour Beatty.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Show recruiters your enthusiasm and interest in what you are applying for. Be open to new opportunities and meeting people from all areas of the business.
