Apprentice Design Engineer (Civils & Structures)
Graduate Level Apprenticeship
Discipline: Civil & Structural Design Engineering
Sector: Rail Infrastructure – Civils & Structures
Location: York (Office‑Based)
* Are you looking to start your career in civil and structural design engineering while continuing your academic development?
* Do you want to work on real rail infrastructure projects from day one, supported by experienced engineers and a structured apprenticeship programme?
This is an exciting opportunity to join AmcoGiffen’s in‑house Civils & Structures Design team in York as an Apprentice Design Engineer, combining hands‑on, practical, design experience with study towards a Graduate Level Apprenticeship.
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In Return
* Competitive apprentice salary
* Fully funded Graduate Level Apprenticeship in Civil / Structural Engineering
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
* Company contributory pension scheme
* Life insurance
* Medicash Health Cash Plan & Rewards
* Employee assistance programme
* Structured training, mentoring and technical development
* Clear career progression pathways within design engineering
* A safe, inclusive and supportive place to work
* Employee forums that provide a platform for your voice to be heard
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Business Unit
You will be based within AmcoGiffen’s in‑house Civil & Structural Design team in York. The team supports a wide range of rail infrastructure projects across long‑term frameworks and standalone schemes for key clients.
The design team delivers civils and structures design across the full project lifecycle, supporting:
* Bridge reconstruction, replacement, refurbishment and upgrades
* Stations and platform works
* Access for All schemes
* Rail structures including bridges, tunnels and footbridges
* Asset management and renewal frameworks
This environment provides excellent exposure to both design development and the wider rail engineering context.
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The Role
As an Apprentice Design Engineer (Civils & Structures), you will support the delivery of safe, compliant and efficient design solutions under the supervision of experienced Design Engineers and Senior Design Engineers.
You will develop core technical, professional and organisational skills through a combination of practical design tasks, mentoring and formal study.
Your day‑to‑day activities may include:
* Supporting the production of civil and structural design solutions in line with project requirements
* Assisting with drawings, calculations, reports and technical documentation
* Working to internal design standards, procedures and industry standards
* Supporting compliance with CDM Regulations and Safe‑by‑Design principles
* Assisting with design reviews, document control and information management
* Navigating and viewing design models and drawings using relevant software tools
* Supporting collaboration with project teams to meet programme and quality requirements
* Developing awareness of sustainability, innovation and safety in design
This role is designed to build a strong foundation for a long‑term career in rail civil and structural design engineering.
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Training & Qualification
You will study towards a Graduate Level Apprenticeship in Civil or Structural Engineering, delivered alongside your role through a combination of workplace learning and part‑time university attendance (e.g. day release).
The apprenticeship will support your progression towards professional engineering status in the future.
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Requirements
To succeed in this role, you will:
* Hold (or be working towards) a relevant degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
* Have a genuine interest in civil and structural design within the rail sector
* Be motivated, proactive and keen to learn
* Have strong problem‑solving, communication and numeracy skills
* Be comfortable working in a collaborative, office‑based design environment
* Be willing to commit to a graduate‑level apprenticeship alongside full‑time employment
* This is an office‑based role requiring attendance at our York office five days per week. Applicants must be able and willing to travel to the office daily (YO26 6RW).
No previous rail or design experience is required – we are looking for potential, enthusiasm and the right attitude.
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Diversity, Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing
At AmcoGiffen, we value individuality and believe diversity strengthens our teams and the communities we serve. Health, safety, wellbeing and inclusion are embedded in our culture and underpinned by our SPIRIT values:
Safety · Professionalism · Innovation · Respect · Integrity · Teamwork
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Is AmcoGiffen your next career challenge? Apply now and start your career as a Civil & Structural Design Engineer.