Economist Year in Industry
Salary: £23,620
Placement start date: June 2026
Location: Guildford
Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us.
Could your interest in economics help improve how millions travel every day? Join our one-year Year in Industry programme and discover how economic thinking drives decision‑making at National Highways. You’ll be part of a team helping us understand the impact of our investments, policies and standards - ensuring we deliver the best value for money across the Strategic Road Network.
* Evaluating the value for money of our spending
* Contributing to research that improves how we appraise projects
* Communicating economic insight to senior leaders
This is your chance to apply what you’ve learned at university in a real‑world setting - building your skills, gaining experience, and helping shape how we invest around £5 billion a year to improve journeys and connect communities across the country.
What You’ll Get In Return
If you're ready to invest in your development and excited to help shape the future of transport, we’ve got your back! Our placements offer a mix of hands‑on experience, workshops, and real‑world learning to help boost your career prospects after university. You’ll have a dedicated manager, support from experienced mentors, and flexible working arrangements to help you thrive. You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community, connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and building your network.
As well as a competitive salary and plenty of career development support, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package, which includes annual leave of 26 days (pro‑rata for internships), access to health and well‑being schemes, discounts and cashback on shopping, going out and more!
What You’ll Need To Succeed
You’ll need to bring a positive mindset, take ownership of your work, and be ready to adapt when things shift. We’re looking for great communicators who work well with others, stay organised, and think critically to solve problems. If you're curious, passionate, and keen to learn, you'll fit right in and grow fast.
To Be Eligible For Our Placement Programme, You Must
* Be finishing the second year of your undergraduate degree programme in June 2026.
* Expected to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 in Economics or a degree with a significant economics component.
* Be able attend a 2‑day induction from 29th‑30th June 2026.
* Hold an unrestricted Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the placement. Due to the salary level of this role, we cannot offer sponsorship for the position for individuals that don't have the Right to Work in the UK.
Assessment Centres will run in January and February 2026, and you’ll hear back soon after about whether you’ve secured a placement.
All offers to the programme are subject to satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks, including Right to Work, reference, and DBS criminal record checks.
About Us
Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country, carrying a third of all traffic and two‑thirds of freight. Every single day, National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together, keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected.
We’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads, investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future. And that’s where you come in!
Why You Should Join Us
At National Highways, we believe in building a connected country. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered, valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this.
If you share our values of safety, passion, teamwork, ownership, and integrity, you’ll thrive as part of our team.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're excited by growing in and shaping the future of a large, evolving organisation, apply today and start your journey with us. Don’t miss out – submit your application early as we may close applications before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of interest.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only consider your application for one programme and one location. Please ensure you only apply to your preferred option; if you apply to more than one, we will take your first application as your preferred option.
#J-18808-Ljbffr