Overview
Join to apply for the 2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.
We are seeking graduates who are eager to learn, flexible, and ready to make a difference. You’ll thrive in our collaborative, supportive environment, where your creativity and passion for the built environment can flourish. Whether your interest is in working with communities, driving sustainable development, or supporting innovative infrastructure, your talents will find a home with us. Join our 2026 Graduate Programme in Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning and launch your career with one of the UK’s leading professional advisory consultancies.
We are recruiting for Graduates in the following services & locations:
* Planning Consultancy: Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Leeds
* Infrastructure Planning: London and Exeter
Responsibilities and day-to-day activities
Planning Consultancy
* Graduate Planners get involved from day one, managing a varied project portfolio for directors in the UK.
* You may lead projects as a planning agent and project manager, coordinating environmental teams and budgets, and will also work within planning teams on larger schemes.
Infrastructure Planning
* Gain exposure to multi-disciplinary groups, from ecologists to engineers and heritage specialists to hydrologists.
* Build core skills in GIS mapping, regulatory analysis and project coordination.
* Support planning applications, site appraisals, community engagement, and related deliverables.
Projects (examples of graduatе assignments, varying by office and interests):
* Great British Energy: shaping early-stage nuclear power, including consents and consultation strategies.
* Tees Valley Active Travel Scheme: delivering new and upgraded active travel routes.
* Yorkshire Water: contributing to strategic water resource schemes from planning to delivery.
Day-to-day activities could include:
* Varied workload across multiple sectors
* Undertaking planning appraisals, drafting planning documents
* Project managing and leading smaller projects
* Working in teams as part of larger projects
* Managing environmental teams
* Submitting and managing planning applications and appeals
* Managing project budgets
Graduate Development Programme
Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and mentoring for professional registration, and a breadth of on-the-job experience.
To find out more, please visit our Graduate brochure or Graduate website. Our teams are committed to your career progression, with many colleagues joining as graduates and advancing within the business. We encourage Chartered status with professional bodies like RTPI, with support through enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:
* You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) in a relevant subject for the role you are applying for.
* Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. The online skill enabler assessment is also required as part of the process.
* You’ll be looking to start work in September 2026.
* You’ll have a passion for Planning & consulting and a desire for built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy.
* You’ll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems; you’ll want to inspire us with new ideas.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? If you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can consider alignment to this role and other opportunities in our Graduate programme.
What’s in it for you
Work-life balance: Hybrid working policy, flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome varied backgrounds and experiences, promote an inclusive culture, and support with employee resource groups.
Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, accessible reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and menopause support package.
Flex your time: WSP My Hour allows one hour daily for personal activities, with flexible time options; part-time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave, and bank holiday flex.
Your development: Training, mentoring, and Chartered status support to grow your career.
#WeAreWSP: We encourage applications from diverse candidates and interview all disabled applicants who meet essential criteria, with adjustments available on request.
Location and role specifics, timelines, and recruitment details are provided by the Early Careers brochure and related materials. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is advised.
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