This September, we were delighted to welcome a talented new cohort of graduates to Barhale, marking the beginning of their exciting journey in engineering and construction. Through our structured two-year programme, these graduates are already gaining valuable experience across various disciplines while receiving mentorship and training tailored to their individual growth.

The start of a new role always comes with challenges, but our graduates have risen to the occasion with determination and resilience. As Hassan Mahmood, Graduate Civil Engineer (Yorkshire Region) shared: “My most challenging moment to date was searching for a graduate role post-university. I overcame the negatives of job searching by volunteering and attending career events. These experiences strengthened my confidence and never-give-up attitude, which have been invaluable as I’ve started this role.”

When asked about their experience at Barhale so far, it’s clear that many are pleased to have chosen this as the launchpad for their careers. Harishanth Tharmaratnam, Graduate Civil Engineer (Southern Region) reflected: “Barhale feels like family. They welcomed me into the industry when I was entirely new and provided the support I needed to excel. I’ve grown so much in just a short time, and I’m excited to see what’s next!” Similarly, Hassan said: “I am thoroughly pleased to have chosen Barhale. The values of the company align with mine, and the care and respect I’ve received have been amazing.”

There have already been standout moments that our graduates will carry with them. Haroon Tarar, Graduate Mechanical Engineer (Southern Region) shared: “One of my highlights was working on asset tagging and designing components for the Folkestone Road project. It’s rewarding to see how my contributions make a real difference.” Meanwhile, Hassan noted the camaraderie: “Playing badminton and football with the other graduates was so much fun. It’s been great to bond with everyone while gaining new experiences and training certifications.”

Looking ahead to 2025, there’s a sense of excitement about the opportunities on the horizon. As Harishanth said: “I’m eager to take on larger projects and continue learning every day on-site. With the transition from AMP7 to AMP8, it feels like an exciting time to be at Barhale.” Hassan echoed this sentiment, adding: “I look forward to meeting more of the graduates, reflecting on everything I’ve learned, and taking on new challenges.”

Finally, settling into a new role is often daunting, but our graduates have embraced it with enthusiasm. Haroon highlighted the importance of a supportive environment: “Adapting to my role has been seamless, thanks to the HR team, my managers, and the training programme. Barhale’s collaborative culture and focus on development have made my transition so much easier.”

A Word from Owen Mills, Engineering Director:

“We’re thrilled to welcome our new graduates, who have already shown enthusiasm, commitment, and a desire to learn. At Barhale, we’re committed to nurturing talent and providing the tools and experiences for a rewarding career.”

The first few months have laid a strong foundation, and we are looking forward to seeing what this cohort achieves next. Here’s to a successful and inspiring journey ahead for our graduates!