On the road to success – local young people start their careers on the project

Four local young people have started their careers this month working for Lower Thames Crossing Roads North of the Thames Delivery Partner, Balfour Beatty

Published

25 Sep 2023

The local recruits include three apprentices from Thurrock and Basildon who are studying level 3 Business Administration and one Customer and Communication graduate from Kent.

The Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed new road that will tackle congestion on the Dartford Crossing and better connect Kent and Essex. With an aim to be the UK’s greenest road, we are committed to driving carbon out of the construction industry and developing the workforce of tomorrow. We have ambitious plans for recruiting almost half of our workforce locally (45% from within 20-miles) and aim to leave a legacy of green skills within the South East. Find out more.

Each young person will be on a structured early careers programme designed to give them a well-rounded skill set and in-depth experience of working on a major infrastructure project. Over the next 18 months, these new recruits will be getting stuck in with a variety of teams, from project management to social value, and will take part in carbon training in support of the project’s wider ambitions of creating a green workforce, with everybody on the project trained to do their job more sustainably.

Local young people start their careers on the project

"What an exciting time being at the start of your career. These new recruits aren’t like most, they will get first-hand experience across our broad range of teams and a real feel for what a major programme is all about – especially building in modern day with reducing carbon at the forefront. It was fantastic to see such a big take-up of local interest when recruiting these roles, with so many more early career opportunities to come with Balfour Beatty on the programme."

Steve Jagger, Project Director for Lower Thames Crossing Roads North of the Thames Delivery Partner, Balfour Beatty

Callum

"I’m so happy to be here! I applied for the apprenticeships as I was never really good with academic learning. So far, it’s been excellent and everyone has been so welcoming! I’m excited now to jump in and learn about all of the different positions and how they come together."

Callum, Balfour Beatty Business Administration Apprentice from Basildon

Aaron

"I applied for the apprenticeship because it seemed totally unique, and I am absolutely loving it so far. On top of the amazing opportunity to gain experience in each field, we’ve already been introduced to other things such as the STEM Ambassador programme where we get to support other local students."

Aaron, Balfour Beatty Business Administration Apprentice from Thurrock

Luke

"The prospect of contributing to a company with the stature of Balfour Beatty, coupled with the chance to be a part of the Lower Thames Crossing project, was the reason I applied for the opportunity. I'm now looking forward to the coming weeks and months as I begin my first job rotation in health and safety."

Luke, Balfour Beatty Business Administration Apprentice from Thurrock

Mairead

"I felt that a role in communications would fit in perfectly with my skills and experience from my English degree. I also thought it would be great to start my professional career in construction, especially with a leading infrastructure company with so many opportunities!"

Mairead, Balfour Beatty Customer and Communications Graduate from Maidstone

For further information contact us at info@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 5000. You can also get the latest updates on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and our YouTube channel.