Overview
We are recruiting for a 2026 Graduate Programme in Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning. We are looking for graduates who are eager to learn, flexible, and ready to make a difference. You will thrive in a collaborative environment where creativity and passion for the built environment can flourish. Your work could involve communities, sustainable development, or supporting innovative infrastructure, across the UK and beyond.
Join a global professional advisory network with opportunities to work on landmark projects and contribute to shaping how people live, move, work and play. This programme is designed to launch your career with one of the UK’s leading professional advisory consultancies.
Locations and services
* Planning Consultancy: Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Leeds
* Infrastructure Planning: London and Exeter
Team and role areas
Two core streams are described below. Graduates in Planning Consultancy work on large transformational projects, guiding clients through the planning process from initial site appraisals to securing consents and supporting construction. Sectors include residential, education, healthcare, logistics, industrial, retail and defence. We also undertake work outside the UK, including recent commissions in the Middle East.
Graduates in Infrastructure Planning support sustainable, resilient infrastructure by combining research, policy insight, and stakeholder collaboration. You will contribute to planning applications, site appraisals, and community engagement, informing transport schemes, utility upgrades, and energy proposals that balance technical feasibility with environmental and social value.
Day-to-day activities
* Planning Consultancy: undertake planning appraisals and draft planning documents; project manage and lead smaller projects; collaborate in teams on larger schemes; manage budgets; coordinate environmental teams.
* Infrastructure Planning: assist with preparation, submission and management of planning applications, appeals and enquiries; conduct site appraisals and feasibility studies; draft planning statements and supporting documents; research policy; coordinate stakeholder and community engagement; liaise with consultants; maintain project trackers and risk/resource monitoring; use GIS and data visualisations to support recommendations; assist in discharging planning conditions.
Projects
* Great British Energy: supporting early-stage consents and consultation strategies for nuclear power.
* Tees Valley Active Travel Scheme: contributing to £150 million of new and upgraded active travel routes.
* Yorkshire Water: involvement in strategic water resource schemes, from planning applications to defining water-reuse corridors.
Graduate Development Programme and progression
Our two-year Graduate Development programme supports personal and professional development through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience. We encourage chartered status with professional bodies like the RTPI and provide support through a training agreement toward chartered status. The programme includes opportunities to interact with teams and opportunities for progression within the business.
What we will look for in candidates:
* Graduation with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) in a relevant subject.
* Candidates will complete the application form in full and answer all questions; successful applicants will complete an online skill enabler assessment as part of the process.
* Start date in September 2026.
* Passion for Planning and consulting; interest in built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy; enthusiasm for creativity and problem solving; willingness to share new ideas.
Don’t meet all criteria? If you have the right qualifications, apply and we can explore alignment to this role or other Graduate opportunities. For more information about the application and selection process, please refer to the Early Careers brochure or Graduate website.
What we offer
* Work-life balance with hybrid working policy (two days per week remote) and flexible office options across the UK.
* Inclusivity and belonging: diverse and authentic representation, with employee resource groups and an inclusive culture.
* Health and wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, and workplace adjustments; Gymflex and menopause support within our benefits program.
* Flex your time: WSP My Hour for personal activities; part-time and flexible working arrangements; option to purchase additional leave; use of bank holidays as needed.
* Your development: training, mentoring, and chartership support.
EEO statement: We encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and we offer workplace adjustments on request.
Seniorities and type
* Seniority level: Internship
* Employment type: Part-time
* Job function: Education and Training
* Industries: Professional Services
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Locations listed (e.g., Devon, Exeter, Hele, Torquay, Farringdon) indicate current opportunities and recent job postings; some postings are dated 1 week to 1 month ago.
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