Future Female Engineers

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Colas Rail

About us

Colas Rail is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of railway infrastructure services, we are award-winning specialists having designed and constructed all forms of railways across Europe and the UK.

We specialise in:

• High Speed Lines

• Light /Metro Lines

•Freight Operator

• Track Laying, Renewal and Maintenance

• Operation and Maintenance of On Track Plant

•High Voltage and Traction Power

• Electrification & Signalling

• Rolling Stock Refurbishment & Maintenance

• Tramways

• Multidisciplinary Projects

• Engineering

• Design & Surveying

• Control & Communication systems

We operate under three main business functions:

1.; Rail Infrastructure

2. Rail Services

3.; Urban Rail

Colas Rail ltd is part of the Colas Group and a subsidiary of Bouygues, this heritage gives the company a solid foundation based on a very high level of expertise in rail operations, logistics and technology. We work on some of the continent’s most high-profile projects, including the delivery of major enhancement and maintenance frameworks for Network Rail. We are currently working on some incredibly exciting projects, including our £400 million project to regenerate Waterloo, the busiest station in Europe, over the next three years. We are also delivering major schemes overseas for example in Morocco and Asia and throughout Europe.

At Colas Rail ltd we look outwards to our customers seeing things from their point of view. We respect their views, respond to their suggestions and are proactive in anticipating their needs. We are also committed to delivering on our promise, to our employees, the people we work with, our customers and our stakeholders.

Graduate opportunities

Future Leaders Programme

The Colas Rail Future Leaders Graduate Programme is a 2-year programme, starting every September, which rotates between our different divisions; Rail Infrastructure, Rail Services and Rail Urban. In these divisions, you will be working under our senior managers as an Assistant Project Manager to complete various projects, from relaying track in the South East, working on a multi-disciplinary project such as the high profile Wessex project, or supporting delivery in our Freight or Plant team, and anything in-between.

Working on the Future Leaders Programme requires a large amount of flexibility and a great team spirit. You will be put in a position of responsibility, where you will have the independence to make your own decisions, in a fast-paced operational environment, as well as working with a variety of colleagues at all levels across the business. You will also be involved in the both the technical aspects of the railway sector and the day-to-day operations of a major company. There will be a great variety in your activities, from technical work to client engagement, combined with a large amount of on-site work.

Technical Programme

As a technical graduate, you will be enrolled in a 2-year graduate programme, but without the rotations, and with a distinct focus on the engineering side of our business. You will be working closely with our experienced engineers and senior management on improving the UK rail system in divisions such as Rail Infrastructure, Rail Services or Rail Urban. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills and to work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer in one of our many disciplines: Civils and Pway (Track), Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering Surveying

Commercial Programme

As a Commercial graduate, you will be enrolled in a 2-year graduate programme, but without the rotations, and with a distinct focus on the Commercial side of our business. You will be working closely with our Commercial team but also the experienced operational managers and senior leaders supporting the delivery of our pre-contract work, management of existing and mobilising new contracts, and client management in one of our divisions such as Rail Infrastructure, Rail Services or Rail Urban. Here you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills by working towards becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for any of our programmes please visit: colasrail.co.uk/careers/graduate-programme

Event partners

Much more relaxed atmosphere compared to any previous event I've attended which made it easier to build relationships with employers.
Student

We have attended the Future Female Engineering event for a number of years now; it is a great opportunity for employers to meet with interested and motivated female engineering students. Throughout the event students have the opportunity to get to know their preferred employers, hear what is like to be a graduate in the company and also gain helpful hints and tips on the application process. The event is a great opportunity for students and employers to network across a number of informal and fun sessions!
BAE Systems

Speaking to graduates and recruiters in such a relaxing environment was such an insightful opportunity- so many of my questions were answered, even those I didn't know I had.
Student

It has made me realise that engineering is quite an open sector and that there is a lot of scope to enter a lot of areas.
Student

Good combination of chances to network/ask questions and hear from companies directly.
Student

A fantastic way to meet other female engineers, be inspired to pursue a career in the sector and learn more about the application process.
Student

I have been inspired by some leading ladies. It makes me realise what you can achieve.
Student

A thoroughly enjoyable event, with very intelligent and driven students. The students are from a mixture of years so proved great for our current and future pipeline, and company branding. You also walk away with the details of circa 100 top quality students, so a very unique event.
AECOM

I enjoyed meeting with the companies and hearing their advice, especially on application process as I will be applying for graduate jobs.
Student

Great experience that really opened my eyes into what impact females can make within engineering.
Student

It was delightful to see so many high calibre female engineering students who had made the effort to research our company and prepare questions for the networking session. The event was very well organised, informative and fun. This is our third year attending the event and we look forward to getting involved again next year.
National Grid

The day has been inspirational and a great reminder of why I chose to study engineering.
Student

Everything was great, the overall vibe puts you in a good mood and even if you come in scared and unsure about what to do, that quickly goes away.
Student