Civil Focus: Balfour Beatty Doubles Up in Early Careers Edition
Balfour Beatty has been highlighted twice in the Early Careers edition of New Civil Engineer, showcasing the company’s commitment to supporting young professionals and its perspective on what the civil engineering industry needs to prioritize in the future. The articles focus on Balfour Beatty’s dedication to creating a positive, inclusive culture for early careers professionals, as well as the insights of one of its apprentices on the future of civil engineering.
In the first feature, Ryan Mayor, Early Careers Manager at Balfour Beatty, discusses how the company has cultivated a supportive culture for its young professionals. Balfour Beatty’s approach integrates apprentices and graduates into the business through a comprehensive induction program, which not only provides essential training but also helps them build strong relationships with peers and mentors. The company’s Affinity Networks play a key role in fostering connections among employees, ensuring that young professionals have the support they need to thrive.
Ryan Mayor emphasizes the importance of company culture in shaping the success of early careers professionals: “Culture eats strategy alive,” he states. “It is in our DNA to hire young people. We have been helping get people started for decades, and there are people at the top of the business who started that way with us.” This focus on culture reflects Balfour Beatty’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for young professionals to rise through the ranks.
The second feature centers on the insights of Nusayba Abaas, a Civil Engineer Apprentice at Balfour Beatty. Nusayba shares her thoughts on how the industry must evolve to keep up with advancements in technology, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI). As a civil engineer apprentice, Nusayba is acutely aware of the industry’s appetite for adopting new technologies but believes there needs to be a measured approach to the integration of AI.
“For example, with AI, you can’t just go straight to ChatGPT and give it all the information that your company has. A more careful approach is needed, despite the appetite for adoption of AI technologies,” Nusayba explains. Her perspective sheds light on the growing importance of technology in the civil engineering industry, while also cautioning that its implementation must be thoughtful and responsible to avoid potential pitfalls.
Balfour Beatty’s commitment to fostering talent is evident in the company’s support for apprenticeships, training programs, and graduate positions. As part of its membership in The 5% Club, a movement of employers dedicated to providing ‘Earn & Learn’ opportunities, Balfour Beatty ensures that 7.4% of its UK workforce is made up of apprentices, graduates, trainees, and sponsored students. This demonstrates the company’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of civil engineering professionals and ensuring that young talent has the opportunity to build successful careers in the industry.
Balfour Beatty’s focus on early careers is not just about hiring young professionals; it’s about providing them with the tools, mentorship, and support needed to excel. The company’s efforts to integrate young talent into the business through strong induction programs and supportive networks set them up for long-term success. By investing in the future of civil engineering, Balfour Beatty is ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation, with a highly skilled and motivated workforce that can tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
As the civil engineering industry continues to evolve, Balfour Beatty is paving the way for the next generation of leaders. The company’s commitment to early careers and its focus on developing a diverse and talented workforce ensure that it will continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Through initiatives like its apprenticeship programs, induction events, and Affinity Networks, Balfour Beatty is not only attracting the brightest young minds but also giving them the opportunity to shape the future of civil engineering.
In conclusion, Balfour Beatty’s presence in New Civil Engineer’s Early Careers edition highlights the company’s commitment to supporting young professionals and adapting to the changing needs of the civil engineering industry. By prioritizing culture, mentorship, and the integration of new technologies, Balfour Beatty is setting a strong foundation for the future of civil engineering. With a focus on growth, innovation, and sustainability, Balfour Beatty is ensuring that its apprentices, graduates, and trainees are equipped to succeed in the dynamic world of civil engineering.
