Graduate Quantity Surveyor Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Scheme
Civil Engineering
Leeds
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
4.2 /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!
4/5
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Overview of the Role
4.4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
4/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
My grad scheme at Balfour Beatty was really insightful and gave me a good experience of what a quantity surveyor does within the Civil Engineering sector. Within my 2 years, I was able to work on 2 different live jobs and have also helped out during pre-construction stages of other schemes which has been really rewarding. It has allowed me to put knowledge I learnt at university into practice whilst also showing that the construction industry is very vast.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Main roles include assessing subcontractor applications, processing payments, change management, customer engagement, pre-construction activities such as drafting scope of works, subcontracts, BoQs.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I was given tasks which were required to be completed by deadlines and were on live jobs. I managed my own subcontract packages which gave me the same responsibility as others in the team. Working in a small team meant the work I was completing was contributing massively.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
3/5
Company car is really good however having to start with a reissue is difficult and doesn't really feel like a benefit, the option to buy additional holiday is also great. You get 2 pay reviews a year during the grad scheme.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
I believe Balfour Beatty train you to develop as a future colleague and give you the correct training the first time round which will help you succeed within the company.
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
The Commercial Development Programme is a really good additional insight into commercial job roles.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
Line managers and colleagues have been very helpful. I feel like I can go to everyone for advice or help, including colleagues from other job roles. When I have contacted HR/ the fleet team previously for help I have found the help hasn't been the best and was really difficult to get an answer.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
I currently have the opportunity to work from home which is really helpful. You also have the option to buy additional holiday days which is great for work life balance.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
Hybrid roles are available but depends on your line managers personal preference. There are opportunities to work in office and site environments. The work culture is good, as long as you are willing to learn and work you will get on fine.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
During my time at BB, I have noticed how many women there are within the business, including the amount of female engineers within the company. Also, there are many affinity networks you can join including LGBTQ+, gender, multi-cultural etc.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
You get 2 free volunteering days a year to use at your own will. When working in a site team there are also opportunities to get involved in volunteering as a team within the local community organised by the social impact team.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe the pay is really good for graduates, everyone wants you to succeed and do well. There are so many different parts of the company you can join and you have control over your own career and where you want to be.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
The role was very similar to the information mentioned in the recruitment process. However, I didn't realise how full on the graduate scheme was going to be in terms of additional learning and residentials.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
I would try and apply as soon as possible, they hold interviews really early so don't hold off. Try and get really good references and mention any previous experience you have in the industry. Do some research on the company, I got asked what I already knew about the company and why I wanted to work for them.
