2026 Graduate Programme - Communities - Local Government (Engineering)
Join to apply for the 2026 Graduate Programme - Communities - Local Government (Engineering) role at WSP in the UK & Ireland
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
We are looking for Graduates for our Communities Engineering teams, who have a flexible approach and an appetite to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. We want you to enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can apply your skills working for a diverse range of clients and projects.
Recruiting Locations
* Communities - Gloucestershire (Bridge Engineering)
* Communities - Lincoln (Highways Engineering)
* Communities - Exeter (Highways and Bridge Engineering)
* Communities - Cardiff (Structures & Infrastructure)
* Communities - Norfolk (Highways and Infrastructure Engineering)
Gloucestershire (Bridge Engineering)
As a Graduate Engineer working with the Communities Bridges team in Gloucestershire you will help manage an asset of over 1,500 structures across the county and will have the opportunity to be involved in the inspection, design and supervision of bridge maintenance and replacement projects. You will be supporting the team with the implementation of Gloucestershire County Council's asset management plan and bridge improvement programme.
Day‑to‑day activities may include:
* Inspection of existing structures
* Production of options reports
* Carrying out bridge assessments
* Design of bridge maintenance and improvement schemes
* Production of works packages and contract documents
* Supervision of works
Lincoln (Highways Engineering)
As a graduate you’ll play an important role in supporting the Lincoln team in the delivery of efficient and effective highway schemes. Helping with the design of new, and the maintenance of existing, infrastructure projects from footways and cycleways to major junction improvements and bypass schemes.
Day‑to‑day activities may include:
* Undertaking investigations, site inspections, data collection and analysis, scheme design and development, including supervision of construction
* Preparing technical design solutions in accordance with approved design procedures
* Preparing technical documents and drawings for checking and approval
* Agreeing delivery targets with senior staff and reporting regularly on progress towards milestones
* Managing the delivery of your own projects with minimal supervision
Cardiff – RCT 'Rhondda Cynon Taf' (Structures and Civil Infrastructure Engineering)
As a Graduate focusing on structural engineering within this team, you will undertake inspections of infrastructure and gain hands‑on experience of developing solutions to problems.
Day‑to‑day activities may include:
* Inspections of essential infrastructure
* Preliminary design calculations
* Writing up optioning and feasibility studies
* Gaining hands‑on experience of developing solutions to problems
As a Graduate focusing on civil infrastructure engineering within this team you will be involved in our potential pipeline of drainage tips and major schemes.
Day‑to‑day activities may include:
* Learning and utilising drainage modelling software to prepare existing and proposed drainage networks and design drawings via AutoCAD
* Attending site visits with designers to appreciate site realities and constraints
* Attending design team and client meetings to gain an understanding of the design process
Exeter (Highways and Structures Engineering)
As a graduate you will support our Local Authority clients to deliver improvements for local communities, prioritising active and healthy travel modes.
Day‑to‑day activities may include:
* Preparing drawings, schedules, reports and other documents in accordance with local procedures and national guidance
* Developing work packages and designs with scope to expand with experience
* Coordinating and communicating with multidisciplinary supporting teams from across the UK and the globe in delivery of projects as well as clients and stakeholders
* Being involved in the design of new and replacement bridges and retaining walls, inspecting, assessing, repairing and strengthening existing structures
* Taking projects through their entire life cycle, from inception to construction
Norfolk (Highways and Structures Engineering)
WSP provides Norfolk County Council with professional services across highways and infrastructure. Our integrated design teams plan and prepare works including highway improvements and structural maintenance.
Day‑to‑day activities may include:
* Assisting in the planning and drafting of highway improvements and structural maintenance schemes
* Participating in on‑site inspections and evaluations to inform design and maintenance decisions
* Preparing documentation that supports engineering decisions, compliance and project tracking
Graduate Development Programme
Our two‑year Graduate Development programme will support your personal and professional development through an engaging blended learning experience. The programme includes core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of on‑the‑job experience.
We encourage graduates to achieve chartered status with professional bodies such as ICE and IStructE, and we fully support enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate
Use our Graduate brochure or Graduate website link for detailed qualification requirements.
* Completed the application form in full and answered all specific questions
* Passing the initial stage and completing an online skill enabler assessment
* Expected start in either April or September 2026
* Passion for consulting and engineering
* Desire for the built environment
* Enthusiasm for creativity and problem solving
* Willingness to inspire with new ideas
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? If you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to these roles and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.
For further information regarding our Application & Selection process, including timelines for recruitment, please visit our Early Careers brochure - Application & Selection.
We review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, encouraging early submission to ensure full consideration.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
EEO Statement
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, 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, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
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