Emily joined Balfour Beatty as a Graduate Engineer in 2011 after completing her BEng in Civil Engineering. Since completing the Graduate Programme, she has developed a career in Health and Safety at Head Office.
Tell us about your role, the project you are supporting and the type of work you undertake on a daily basis.
I joined Balfour Beatty through a sponsorship scheme whilst studying Civil Engineering at University, where I undertook a summer placement on a Highways Agency maintenance contract on the road network in the South West of England. I started my career as a Graduate Engineer, working for Birse Civils, who were part of Regional Civil Engineering at the time. I worked on projects with values of £1 million to £51 million as a site engineer.
Since then, I have moved my career towards Health and Safety. I am currently working at Balfour Beatty's Group Head Office, where I manage the reporting of Health and Safety incidents across the Group. I also manage the reporting of key indicators for the Sustainability department, including the mandatory reporting of international Greenhouse Gas emissions from our work as a company across the world.
What attracted you to Balfour Beatty?
I wanted to be part of a large international construction company, so naturally I chose Balfour Beatty. I wanted the opportunity to work on projects of different sizes, the potential for international travel and the scope to move around the business.
What has been your highlight so far at Balfour Beatty?
My highlight so far has to be watching a pre-fabricated steel frame footbridge being lifted into place over a motorway on a night closure. It was a long and cold night, but seeing the bridge fit into place on the bearing shelves we had constructed was worth it!
How has Balfour Beatty played a role in your long term career goals?
With Balfour Beatty I have had the opportunity to change roles to suit my long term career aspirations. I was supported in my decision to change roles and was helped during the transition between operating businesses. The Graduate Development Programme was brilliant and provided me with the skills I need to help develop personally and professionally for my career. I am currently working towards becoming a Graduate member of IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health).
