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Q: What are the people like that I would be working with?
A:. Each of our businesses have different working cultures but we all have a relatively informal working culture with many members of staff becoming good friends. There is a strong social aspect, especially for those individuals who work away from home. The workforce is extremely diverse with many different nationalities of staff working closely together.
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Q: Do all parts of Balfour Beatty Rail involve working on the tracks?
A: No. While most parts of Balfour Beatty Rail do have vacancies for on-track work the following areas do not have any on-track vacancies:-
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Q: I‘m not sure which division of Balfour Beatty Rail I am interested in working for. How can I find out more?
A. To find out more about our business you can visit the Our Businesses section of the website OR you can visit www.bbrail.com to find our more about the work our divisions do.
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Q: I understand you’re involved in the London Underground but not sure where it all fits together?
A: Balfour Beatty Rail Projects is contracted by Metronet to undertake a substantial trackwork programme, which you can read more about on their company page.
Balfour Beatty Rail Plant and Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet Services also supply plant and tools for maintenance work on the London Underground.
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Q: I’ve heard on the grapevine you no longer have a signalling service. Is this true?
A: Alstom and Balfour Beatty officially launched their newly formed 50/50 joint venture company, Signalling Solutions Limited, in October 2007. Signalling Solutions Limited combines the railway signalling resources of Alstom Transport Information Solutions and Balfour Beatty Rail Projects to provide the railway signalling markets in the UK and Ireland with an accomplished, all-round supplier.
Balfour Beatty Rail Technologies has a signalling systems section which operates outside the joint venture supplying signalling products and services both into the joint venture, direct to Network Rail and other signalling contractors.
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Q: Can you explain your Alcohol & Drugs Policy?
A: Balfour Beatty Rail conducts Alcohol and Drugs screening for all new employees, in addition random screening can be conducted without notice. This policy is part of Balfour Beatty Rail’s legal obligation under The Transport and Works Act 1992. As an organisation we are strongly committed to reducing the risk of work place accidents for each employee, our colleagues and the rail using public. The use of illegal drugs and alcohol creates unacceptable risks within the rail industry, and Balfour Beatty Rail will take all appropriate steps to ensure NO employee reports for work, or tries to report, while unfit because of alcohol or drugs.
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Q: What about the working hours?
A: As passengers, we’ve all been frustrated by delays when there are engineering works and as a result we work with our clients (such as Network Rail) to make the passenger experience a better one. We also strive to undertake our work under the safest conditions. This can therefore mean that some of the work we need to do takes place when there are less or no passengers such as nights and weekends. This very much depends on the role you apply for and will be detailed in the job spec.
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Q: What environment will I be working in?
A: This really depends on the nature of the role that you apply for. You may be working trackside or in a foundry, you may be operating maintenance machinery or be working in an office. Each of our division offers a different working environment - for more information visit the about us section.
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Q: I’ve heard that the working conditions are not great - is this true?
A: Again, this depends on the nature of the role you apply for but we’re not going to shy away from this one – yes, sometimes, the conditions can be challenging. Some of the work is undertaken in deep tunnels where it can get quite hot and stuffy; other work can take outside in gloriously hot weather but also wind and rain. We’ll always provide you with what is necessary to stay safe and healthy and as a valued member of the team, any suggestions made to make improvements will always be given due consideration. See some of the improvements we’ve already made on our innovations pages.
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Q: Will I be safe?
A: Preventing injury and harm to our employees, sub-contractors or anyone else who may be affected by our activities is of critical importance to us. Regular briefings, safety workshops and confidential report lines are just some of things we do to keep safety at the top of everyone’s mind. To make sure this happens, we have a strategy; the aims and values of which can be found at our corporate website.
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Q: Will I have a uniform?
A: While we do not have a uniform, Personal Protective Equipment is provided for all employees who require safety equipment. This particularly means employees working on track, on engineering projects or within our manufacturing areas.
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Q: Do you recruit for part time positions?
A: Yes we do. Please check the vacancy to see if the position is part time or full time.
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Q: There’s nothing that suits me at the moment, do you have any other vacancies?
A: All our current vacancies are listed here in our website but you can also register to find out about any new vacancies that arise.
If you are interested in learning about other vacancies within the Balfour Beatty Group, visit our Balfour Beatty Plc Website - www.balfourbeatty.com
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Q: I don’t have any railway competencies, can I still apply?
A: This really depends on the role but in many cases if we feel confident that you are the right person for the job then we will ensure that you receive all the correct training and undertake the required assessments.
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Q: Do you consider someone who requires a work permit for a job?
A: Each application is considered on its own merit. If someone is prefect for the role then we will consider supporting a work permit application.
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Q: Do you have an apprenticeship scheme?
A: Yes please see the trainee section of our website for more information.
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Q: Do you have a graduate scheme?
A: Yes at Balfour Beatty Rail we make a commitment to take on graduates each year. Graduates are vital to the future of our business. Have a look at the graduate section of our website to find out more.
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Q: Do you have a summer placement scheme?
A: Yes some of our divisions offer summer placements for university students on Mechanical Engineering degrees. Please visit the graduate section of our website to see our current opportunities.
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Q: I’m applying for a role on a project with a finite end date - will there be work elsewhere once the project has completed?
A: Joining Balfour Beatty opens you up to a world of opportunities across the group and we always seek to place people coming to the end of a project into new project within our business or around the group before we advertise externally. We also advertise our vacancies internally so you will also be aware of what new opportunities are on the horizon.
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Q: Can I be a train driver for Balfour Beatty Rail?
A: We do not run any trains and only offer positions dealing with rail infrastructure – that’s the tracks, the signalling systems, the power and rail infrastructure projects as a whole.
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Q: I am a train driver, are there any opportunities for me within Balfour Beatty Rail?
A: Yes. In order to work as an On Track Machine Driver/Operator with Balfour Beatty Rail Plant you will need to have undergone training to gain a Train Driver’s Licence. We can then provide the training required for you to operate our machines. Any current opportunities can be found on the vacancies section on the website.
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Q: What format will the recruitment process take?
A: This will largely depend on the nature of the vacancy. If your skills, experience and/or qualifications meet the requirements of the role you have applied for, at a very minimum you can expect to be interviewed at least once. During the interview you’ll be asked about your skills and experience – we often ask applicants to describe examples of good work they have previously done.
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Q: How long will it take to find out if I will be interviewed?
A: As you can imagine with such a large amount of work, we receive lots of applications and we’re always busy. As a result we ask that you give us a few weeks to give your application its due consideration. We will always try to get back to you as soon as possible.
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Q: I applied to Balfour Beatty Rail a while ago. When will I be updated on the progress of my application?
A: When we have news we will contact you. You will be asked to come in for an interview if you have got through to the next stage. If your application is unsuccessful you will receive a letter telling you this. If the job is put on hold or withdrawn we will write to you to explain this change in circumstances.
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Q: How will I receive feedback on my application?
A: Where ever possible you will receive an e-mail to confirm if you are being invited to an interview or if you haven’t met our vacancy criteria. If you do not include an e-mail address with you application we will communicate with you by letter.
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Q: If my job application is unsuccessful, will my details be kept on file for other positions?
A: Due to the amount of applications we receive and the data protection legislation we regret that we are unable to keep your details on file indefinitely. However, please revisit the website on a regular basis as the position and the location you are looking for may become available again the near future. If this is the case you can resubmit your application.
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Q: Will I always be working at the same location?
A: This depends on the position you are applying for. Often if you are working trackside you will move to a different site once the work has been completed.
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Q: Where are the jobs based? Will I be expected to move?
A: We do have jobs not only based around the UK but also internationally. We try our very best to give you first choice of the location you specified.
Many of our positions will have a fixed location which is stated on the vacancy. Please see the vacancies section on the website.
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Q: If I do not live in the right location for the job do you offer relocation packages?
A: In most cases we do not offer individuals a relocation package, however, each application is considered on its own merit. If someone is perfect for the role then we may consider supporting a relocation.
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Q: Do you offer accommodation or subsistence payments if I am working away from home?
A: Yes although this does depend on the location. If you are working away from your assigned depot location we will often put you up in a hotel if it is on a short term basis. If it is a longer term arrangement you may qualify for a subsistence payment.
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Q: What sort of training can I expect to receive?
A: This will depend on you as an individual. All new employees will undergo a site-based induction and a central company induction to understand more about the company you are joining. Your reviews with your manager will also help identify what training you require. You can read more about the training we’ve delivered recently in our opportunities pages.
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Q: Will the company sponsor me for any training courses I am interested in?
A: Yes if there is a training course directly applicable to your role then this can be agreed with your line manager and attended. We have a flexible approach to training and wish for you to excel in your learning and development.
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Q: Do you offer trainee positions if I do not have the correct skills or competencies for the vacancy?
A: This really depends on the vacancy and the skills required to do the job. Our vacancy will indicate if are we are considering employing trainees for the position.
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