Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme
Programme title: Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Bristol, Warrington or Humberside, and other key sites
Application closing date: 16 October
Programme start date: September
Role ID:
What will you do on the programme?
Start with the microscopic detail and work your way up. That’s what our process engineers do. Join them and you’ll help us develop robust, innovative solutions to extraordinary challenges.
On our Chemical and Process Engineering programme, your work could power nuclear submarines, shape the future of nuclear energy, or drive the shift to low-carbon fuels. You might design gas-handling systems for commercial vessels, decommission historic nuclear sites, develop next-generation fuel facilities, or enhance the safety and performance of critical infrastructure.
Wherever you join us, you’ll be working as part of multi-disciplinary teams, gaining the insight needed to grow your technical expertise and begin shaping a career with impact.
How is the programme structured?
This is a two-year programme designed to give you a deep and diverse foundation in chemical and process engineering.
You’ll complete a series of four-six-month placements designed to expose you to a broad range of projects, technologies and working environments – from office-based design teams to on-site engineering roles. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.
Each placement will bring new perspectives and challenges. You’ll build your technical skills, develop your professional confidence and discover where your interests and strengths truly lie.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.
You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.
For Chemical and Process Engineering graduates, we provide full support toward achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
You’ll be matched with a dedicated chartered mentor who will help guide your progress and identify the experiences and evidence you need. You’ll also have access to structured development plans, support with Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and regular reviews with your line and placement managers to keep you on track.
What rewards and benefits will you get?
We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,, you’ll benefit from:
1. A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
2. Generous pension and employee share schemes
3. Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
4. Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
5. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related discipline.
6. Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Chemical and Process Engineering graduate programme for Autumn are available at Cavendish Nuclear in Bristol, Warrington or Humberside, and other key sites.
Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK – and beyond. You could be working on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites, supporting the construction and operation of cutting-edge nuclear power plants, or helping sustain our national defence through work on the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Whether you're based in Bristol, Warrington or Humberside, you'll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments.
While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
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