Risk Management Graduate Programme
Location: Warrington
Sector/Business unit: Nuclear
My graduate programme, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:
I chose Babcock because the projects they work on seemed challenging, meaningful, and rewarding. I was looking for something that would push me outside of my comfort zone and have a real-world impact. As a rapidly growing FTSE 100 company with a strong presence in the defence sector, I was excited by the chance to be part of that growth and explore the opportunities it could bring.
What really appealed to me about the Babcock Graduate Programme was the chance to rotate across different sectors during the six-month scheme. It felt like a great way to get a broad understanding of the business before deciding where I wanted to focus.
As a student, my understanding of business was mostly theoretical. Joining the risk management team gave me the opportunity to see how those theories play out in practice. I was involved in supporting project delivery and helping to manage performance and profitability – areas that really aligned with the parts of my studies I enjoyed most. That connection made the work genuinely interesting and motivated me to go above and beyond.
Risk management is one of the most rapidly evolving areas within project management. As projects become more complex, the ability to anticipate and manage risks has become increasingly important in both industry and academia. I saw Babcock as a space where I could grow alongside the discipline and make a meaningful contribution.
My favourite part of the programme:
What I’ve valued most about the programme is the trust and empowerment I’ve experienced from the start. From day one, my input has been welcomed and respected, and I’ve had the opportunity to contribute directly to project delivery early on.
What makes this especially rewarding is that the responsibility has come naturally, not as a pressure. When opportunities arise, I’m encouraged to step forward, and the business has supported me with the right training and development to take them on confidently. This has helped me make a real impact at work and quickly build both my confidence and capability.
My most rewarding project/experience:
The most rewarding experience for me was my very first project. It was where I built my confidence and began to understand how I could contribute in a professional environment. Starting out in the corporate world was a big step, but this placement helped me settle in quickly – I made great connections, expanded my network, and gained valuable insights from a wide range of experiences.
That project gave me a strong foundation and set the tone for everything that followed. I still keep in touch with the team, and I’ve carried many of their ideas and processes into the work I’ve done since. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see those contributions make a difference – colleagues on later projects have even come to me for insights based on what I learned during that initial experience.
My work-life balance:
Babcock promotes a culture that values balance and wellbeing, which has made a real difference to my experience. There’s a strong emphasis on working efficiently and purposefully, rather than simply clocking hours, which helps create a more manageable and fulfilling workday.
Hybrid working is also well supported, with the flexibility to work from home when needed. While I appreciate having that option, I still enjoy coming into the office most days – the team environment and day-to-day collaboration really enhance the experience.
There’s also a clear respect for personal time, with a healthy approach to managing workloads and expectations. It’s a supportive environment that encourages productivity without compromising wellbeing.
My development:
Since joining Babcock, I’ve had access to a wide range of development opportunities. I had no prior experience with some of the key software used in project management and in my role specifically, but Babcock provided in-depth external training alongside ongoing internal support. As a result, I’ve gained multiple certifications within my first few months and became an active member of the Association for Project Management (APM). I’ve attended several APM events – supported by Babcock – and completed a number of their professional development courses.
I also had a strong interest in data and how it could be used to enhance my role. Babcock supported this by funding my enrolment onto a Level 4 Data Fellowship Apprenticeship, which I’m able to complete during working hours. This qualification has equipped me with a unique skillset that I’ve already used to support the Risk discipline across the business – helping to improve efficiencies and generate more meaningful insights.
Learn more about our Risk Management Graduate Programme and apply online.
