If you’re ready to launch a meaningful career in the built environment, applications are now open for our Autumn 2026 ELEVATE degree apprenticeship programme.
Apply online by 14 December 2025 and be ready for virtual assessments and in-person interviews early in the New Year. Successful candidates will have an offer on the table in March 2026 for a start in the Autumn.
What’s the opportunity?
Ridge is a Built Environment Consultancy. This is all about the human-made spaces and structures that support how and where we live, work and play. It’s everything from individual buildings to entire cities and the infrastructure that connects them. If you’re fired up by the thought of an impactful and rewarding career shaping that environment, working in expert teams and getting down to the nitty gritty of our clients’ challenges while studying— without incurring student debts— then read on!
Our ELEVATE degree apprenticeship programme could be the perfect launchpad for you. You benefit from a permanent contract and salary while you work towards a degree that we fund. Your first two years with us follows a structured programme giving you the perfect blend of education, hands-on experience and professional development.
From our 14 UK locations, we have a wide range of opportunities waiting for your involvement: Building Services Engineering, Project Management, Cost Management / Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Civil and Structural Engineering, Town and Country Planning and Digital Engineering (BIM).
Many years working with apprentices have taught us that the quickest way for you to build confidence, ramp up your abilities and learn new skills is by being ‘hands-on’ with colleagues, clients and sub-contractors. So, you’ll get plenty of exposure to real-life projects, which in turn will enhance the pride you take in your work and the value you feel from your contribution. You just need to bring a great attitude and passion for our industry – the skills and knowledge will come with the role.
What do I need to succeed?
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll play an integral part in our team, helping drive our vision, living our values and embracing our culture. So, if your answer is yes to all the following statements, we’d love to hear from you:
* I meet the educational entry criteria set by the apprenticeship provider. See the table below for further information for each discipline.
* I will be 18+ when my apprenticeship starts in September 2026
* I’m able to start work full time from 7 September 2026
* I have a permanent Right to Work in the UK and do not need visa sponsorship
* I am willing and able to regularly attend my home office in person and travel to a training provider on a weekly basis
* I am curious and eager to learn
* I am passionate about the Built Environment — don’t take this one lightly! We love what we do and the Built Environment plays a vital role in the future of communities and society. It’s important we all share that passion so we can build legacies that last.
Entry requirements for apprenticeships in our core disciplines:
Discipline
Entry Requirements (on joining)
Building Services Design Engineer
A Levels BBB - must include Maths (excluding General Studies) and preferably a Science - Chemistry or Physics
or:
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject, ‘merit’ or above in Mathematics and Further Mathematics
or:
Building Services Engineering Technician Level 3 apprenticeship DD alongside grade Pass or Distinction at EPA
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
Building Surveying
A Levels BCC (any subjects)
or:
Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
Cost Management / Quantity Surveying
A Levels BCC (any subjects)
or:
Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
Digital Engineering (BIM)
A Level 4 course needs to be completed before candidates can progress to the Level 6 degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements for the Level 4 course:
A Levels BB (any subjects)
or:
BTEC National Diploma MMP
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
For Level 6:
HNC in related subject with ‘merit’ grade
or:
Level 4 Apprenticeship in relevant subject or equivalent level 4 qualification
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
Project Management
A Levels BCC (any subjects)
or:
Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
Civil and Structural Engineering
A Level BBB - must include Mathematics (excluding General Studies) and a Science in either Chemistry or Physics
or:
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject, with a minimum of ‘merit’ in Mathematics and Further Mathematics
or:
Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 apprenticeship DD alongside grade Pass or Distinction at EPA
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
Town and Country Planning
A Level BBC (any subjects)
or:
Equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 112 UCAS points
or:
Level 3 Planning Technician Apprenticeship
and:
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
How will my career be supported?
Your development is our priority, so you can count on having the right tools, plenty of experience and the professional support you need to succeed. Here’s what you can expect in your first two years:
Professional Support
* We’ll make sure you’re able to put your learning into practice through valuable hands-on professional work
* To support your development and academic success, your line manager will focus on providing you learning opportunities while ensuring your work schedule allows enough time for your studies
* Regular meetings will be held with your apprenticeship provider and line manager to monitor your progress and make sure everything is going to plan
* The Ridge Future Talent team are apprenticeship specialists and are always on hand to offer advice and support. They’ll be in close touch with your education provider to make sure that we are all on track
* Once you’ve achieved your accredited degree, we’ll continue to offer you support and guidance to become qualified through our internal network of ‘chartership champions’. Depending on your discipline, you may achieve your chartership at the End Point Assessment (EPA) of your Apprenticeship, or there may be additional post-apprenticeship learning requirements before you become fully qualified.
Technical learning
* We have a full timetable of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, such as webinars, short courses and masterclasses, to enhance your skills in focused areas
* You’ll be allocated an experienced and knowledgeable mentor to be your trusted advisor throughout your programme
Personal skills
* A tailored development plan will clearly map out opportunities for growth such as strengthening your soft skills and leadership
* You’ll become a STEM ambassador, inspiring future generations of Built Environment professionals, representing us at industry events and sharing your experience to help shape tomorrow's talent