When Bash Omer was on the verge of graduating from Coventry University and searching for a full-time geotechnical engineering role, there was one vacancy which stood out from all the rest.
"Believe it or not, I had a lot of opportunities," said Bash. "But Keller offered a structure that not every other contractor was offering.
"I'd done some work for a contractor and was learning loads but it was just going to be site engineering. It was all well and good but I also wanted to learn about design, project management, commercial work, procurement and the other aspects of the industry.
"Most companies might promise those opportunities and say, 'Yes, we'll sort that out for you,' but I wasn't seeing a clear plan. Keller said, 'this is our plan, this is our scheme and this is our structure: six months here, six months there, six months there.'
"That structure was the main attraction. And to be honest, they've delivered on everything they promised and kept their word."
Just two years after walking through the doors of Keller's Ryton office as a graduate engineer, Bash has already been promoted to Contracts Engineer.
And yet, the old phrase every day is a school day still rings true for the 25-year-old.
"I feel I'm constantly learning," said Bash. "And I want to keep improving.
"The company supports that, which is brilliant. I've said this to every one of my managers: as long as I'm learning and can keep learning, I'm happy."
Pivotal part
Bash's progression reflects the aims of Keller's graduate programme, which is now open for applications for its 2027 intake.
The two-year scheme is designed to support the progression towards becoming a highly-skilled and professionally-qualified engineer.
It provides opportunities to work across a variety of operational and functional areas within Keller and is open to students who are completing a BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology, Applied Geology or related subjects.
For Bash, the graduate programme has played a pivotal part in his career to date and one word perfectly sums that up for him.
"Nurturing," said Bash. "I think nurturing is a better word than development. The scheme does develop you, but with the rotations it's more than that.
"People ask what's next and help you think about where you want to go. They make you excited to be in each department, which is positive.
"I've had a lot of support and I'm loving life at Keller."
Just do it
What has made the transition from being a student to full-time employment easier for Bash is the people he has been working alongside.
He said: "When I first arrived, everyone introduced themselves and said they'd been there for 10, 15, 20 or 25 years.
"That was a relief, because I felt I'd made the right decision.
"Every manager has taught me something different. I don't think there's anyone I've worked with whom I haven't learned something from. They were always super busy, but they made it clear they would always give you the time of day to teach you.
"I have no complaints and can only sing their praises."
As for what he would say to any graduate considering applying for Keller's graduate programme, and Bash is equally as insistent.
"Just do it," he said. "I would definitely recommend the programme because of the experience - you learn everything.
"It's a very good company to work for."
