Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)
Job Location: North Scotland (Inverness), primarily across the Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of the programme.
Start Date
September 2026
Additional Information
* Site-based role
* Based in Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of the 2-year programme
* Block release at the University of Highlands and Islands
Project Context
The Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) upgrade framework includes a programme of overhead lines, underground cables and substations to redevelop the transmission network in the north of Scotland between now and 2030.
Our allocation includes the design and construction of two new 400kv substations in Spittal and Loch Buidhe and the delivery of 85km of overhead line. The conceptual design phase supported SSEN’s Planning Consent submission to the Scottish Government.
Apprenticeship Program
We are looking to recruit highly motivated apprentices with strong aspirations to pursue an engineering career within a leading UK civil engineering & construction organisation. Your responsibilities will increase throughout the apprenticeship as your skills develop, and you will be supported by an apprenticeship mentor and a university tutor.
Experience Overview
You will be placed on the ASTI upgrade framework where you will be exposed to dimensional control of site works, understanding engineering requirements, planning activities, reading site documents, developing construction strategies and sequences, assisting with quality control checks, undertaking site inspections, reviewing health and safety documents, and developing as‑built surveys.
Key Responsibilities
* Working alongside project engineers and construction managers.
* Developing construction strategies and sequences.
* Undertaking concept design and site inspections of temporary works.
* Assisting with scope reviews of civil and structural tenders.
* Providing design and remedial solutions.
* Reviewing and preparing risk assessments and method statements.
* Establishing and maintaining secondary dimensional control.
* Developing knowledge of as‑built surveys.
* Checking dimensions of major elements and critical interfaces.
* Monitoring surveying and setting out of subcontractors, ensuring best practice.
* Raising Non‑Conformance Reports.
* Ensuring subcontractors comply with method statements and inspection test plans.
* Assisting with quality control checks.
* Assisting package and construction managers with quality issues arising on site.
Qualifications for Entry
* National 5 Maths & English at grade A‑C.
* For the Graduate apprenticeship: Higher Maths & 1 other STEM subject minimum grade C, or NC Civil Engineering (SCQF 6).
Location & Travel
The position is based in North Scotland (Inverness) with work predominantly across the Highlands/Alness to Wick. Due to remote locations, applicants must be willing to travel and hold a full UK driving licence.
Work Status
Eligible to work in the UK with a valid work permit if applicable. We do not provide sponsorship.
Benefits
* Dedicated and continued investment in your professional development.
* Commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture.
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, with an option to buy an additional 2 days per year.
* Charity leave: 2 days per year.
* Discretionary annual bonus and salary review.
* Above‑market rate contributory pension scheme.
* Life assurance, health screening and enhanced sick pay.
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay and a maternity returners bonus.
* Extra weeks holiday and a wedding bonus for employees getting married.
* Subsidised canteen facilities in core locations.
* Retail discounts, cashback, discounted gym memberships, cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Access to Murphy Wellbeing support tools.
Recruitment Process
* Application including a CV.
* Online interactive exercise (Graduate apprenticeship only).
* In‑person interview.
We are open to discuss reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process. Please contact emergingtalent@murphygroup.co.uk.
EEO Statement
Murphy is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
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