Balfour Beatty’s partnership with The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has reached a significant milestone as the company recruits its first graduate, Elise Cummings, from the inaugural cohort of students.
Elise, who will be joining Balfour Beatty later this year as a Graduate Engineer, has had a long relationship with NMITE having been part of the Design Cohort in 2018. This group of 25 school-leavers and graduates from around the world were involved in co-designing NMITE’s learner experience in support of its aim to become a university for and of the future. The Cohort helped to create and test-drive everything from campus layout to course design, marketing NMITE’s engagement programme, and building partnerships with businesses.
Balfour Beatty partnered with NMITE in September 2023, and since then, has been actively contributing to the curriculum – which is designed to mirror real-world working environments – with its experts talking to students, and engaging them in projects to enhance their practical experience and arm them with critical skills and industry knowledge.
Tom Newton, Engineering and Design Director at Balfour Beatty said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at Balfour Beatty. Over the last twelve months we have actively contributed to the NMITE curriculum through our partnership, with a number of our experts supporting teaching modules, outlining what it takes to work in our industry.
“With the first cohort of students now entering employment, the proof is in the pudding – alongside our colleagues at NMITE, we have successfully delivered what we set out to do, opening doors to young people and arming them with the tools needed to excel in their careers. We are looking forward to welcoming Elise to Balfour Beatty in the coming months, where I am confident she will thrive.”
Elise Cummings, graduate from NMITE with MEng Hons Integrated Engineering said: “From being part of the original design cohort to now graduating and achieving my dream of working in engineering, NMITE has been an incredible journey.
“The support and hands-on learning environment have truly prepared me for my new role with Balfour Beatty and I cannot wait to get started with my engineering career.”
This milestone is a further testament to Balfour Beatty’s commitment to attracting the next generation of talent, with 7.4% of the company’s UK workforce now made up of Apprentices, Graduates, Trainees and Sponsored Students as part of its membership of The 5% Club – a dynamic movement of employers committed to providing ‘Earn & Learn’ positions.
