From resettlement to engineering success

Ahmed is a civil engineer with more than six years of international experience across Yemen, Malaysia, Europe and the UK. His career combines academic research, infrastructure delivery and multidisciplinary engineering, supported by an Erasmus Mundus scholarship and postgraduate study.

Before joining Balfour Beatty, Ahmed built experience with Tanmia for Oil & Construction, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and European Smart Cities and Communities projects. His work covered temporary works, drainage, scaffolding, geotechnical reporting, civil and structural inspection, and infrastructure management.

Ahmed continued strengthening his UK employability through postgraduate study, volunteering and professional networks. His technical toolkit includes AutoCAD, HOMER Pro, Microsoft Project, STAAD Pro and DesignBuilder. He also gained IOSH, CSCS and site-safety credentials, developed his knowledge of UK and European codes, and became a graduate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Balfour Beatty recognised the value of Ahmed’s multidisciplinary infrastructure background, practical understanding of health and safety, and growing knowledge of UK engineering standards. Transitions helped him present that international experience clearly to UK employers and approach the opportunity with renewed confidence.

Ahmed arrived in the UK in October 2020 and navigated the asylum process during the pandemic, when he was not permitted to work. He used that time to study, volunteer, support his community and build professional relationships, keeping his long-term engineering career firmly in view.

Ahmed is now a Temporary Works Coordinator at Balfour Beatty, contributing to major UK infrastructure projects. He has successfully passed his probation and continues to develop within the organisation, turning a period of uncertainty into lasting professional progress.