Overview
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 Asset Design team, 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.
We are recruiting for Graduates in the following services and locations:
* Process Engineering: Manchester, Newcastle, London
* MEICA (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering): Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham and Bristol
Roles and locations
A little bit more about your role and the team… Our Asset Design team provides comprehensive design and construction support services across civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and process engineering. We work from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design and commissioning. By challenging assumptions and refining options, we help clients make risk-based decisions that champion no-build and low-build solutions. Our skilled multi-disciplinary design teams cover process, civil, mechanical, and electrical instrumentation, and energy.
Projects
Graduates are likely to be involved in a diverse range of projects across the UK water sector, supporting major clients such as Thames Water/Costain, Northumbrian Water, Britannia Metals, Severn Trent Water, Southwest Water, Galliford Try, Yorkshire Water/Tillbury Douglas, Irish Water, Southern Water, Keir, Nutrient Removal schemes (to help meet tighter environmental standards), Clean Water Projects (to ensure safe and resilient supplies), and Strategic programmes reducing reliance on groundwater abstraction.
Asset Design teams
Process Engineering
Working as a Graduate in Process Engineering in the Water team will provide you with the opportunity to contribute to the planning, design, and optimisation of water and wastewater treatment assets that safeguard public health and the environment. The role combines technical problem-solving with a clear social and environmental impact. You will work within multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to innovative digital design tools, cutting-edge treatment technologies, and the UK’s commitment to net-zero and climate resilience.
Day-to-day activities could include:
* Supporting the design and modelling of water and wastewater treatment processes within asset design projects.
* Undertaking data analysis and preparing technical reports to support decision-making and client deliverables.
* Assisting in the preparation of design drawings, process flow diagrams, and specifications in collaboration with CAD/BIM teams.
* Contributing to feasibility studies, option appraisals, and whole-life cost assessments.
* Engaging with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure designs meet technical, environmental, and compliance requirements.
* Supporting site visits, surveys, and commissioning activities to link design work with operational performance.
* Collaborating with multidisciplinary colleagues (civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineers) to deliver integrated solutions.
MEICA (Mechanical & Electrical)
Working as a Graduate in MEICA (Mechanical & Electrical) in the Water team will provide you with the opportunity to learn design engineering skills in mechanical engineering or electrical and instrumentation, control and automation within the growing water industry. Graduates will work in multi-disciplinary design teams which will allow them to gain an appreciation of other design disciplines such as civil and chemical engineering. Graduate in the MEICA team will have the opportunity to work on water, wastewater, pumping station and industrial projects.
Day-to-day activities could include:
* Working alongside and learning from experienced discipline mentors.
* Producing single line diagrams, load schedules, I/O schedules, Instrument schedules and MCC data sheets (EICA).
* Producing pump calculations and pump selection, isometric drawings, mechanical GA's equipment sizing and selection (mechanical).
* Attending site visits/site surveys (both mechanical and EICA).
* Learning 3D CAD design skills (both mechanical and EICA).
* Learning cable sizing and discrimination software tools (EICA).
* Learning hydraulic calculation and the use of software tools (mechanical).
You will join a supportive environment and enthusiastic team, providing you with a challenging and fulfilling career. You’ll be mentored by industry experts, supported by friendly colleagues, and empowered to pursue chartered or incorporated professional status through our accredited pathways.
Graduate Development Programme
Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include 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. To find out more, please visit: Who we are - ECP.
Graduates within our Asset Design team are encouraged to work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with professional bodies such as IChemE or CIWEM within a 2-3 year framework, with full support from WSP’s accredited training schemes. As skills and confidence develop, graduates may progress to Engineer level, taking on greater responsibility for design packages, client liaison, and mentoring junior colleagues. Beyond this, there are opportunities to advance into Senior Engineer, with increasing leadership in technical delivery, project management, and business development. Long-term, progression can lead towards Principal Engineer, Associate Director, Technical Specialist, or Project Manager positions, allowing individuals to shape their career towards technical depth, people leadership, project management, or strategic client engagement. The progression route is flexible and designed to match the graduate’s interests, while ensuring a clear framework of milestones, support, and professional recognition.
To find out more about Sectors and Specialisms we recruit our Graduates into, as well as qualification requirements, please click on the Graduate brochure or Graduate website below. The Graduate brochure or Graduate website.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate
You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:1 in a relevant subject for the role you are applying for. To assist you in finding potential areas of the business that are relevant to you, please visit our Graduate brochure or website.
* Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. This requirement applies to all candidates, inclusive of their background. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage will then be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career recruitment process.
* You'll be looking to start work in either April or September 2026
* You’ll have a passion for engineering and consulting in Water
* You’ll have a desire for the environment, engineering, and planning
* You’ll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems
* You’ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have
* You’ll be dealing with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating with colleagues and adapting to dynamic project environments.
“Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our roles, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme”.
Application & Selection
We review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, which means we begin progressing some candidates to the final stages before the application closing date. To ensure your application receives full consideration, we recommend submitting it as early as possible.
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.
About Us
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
What’s in it for you?
* Work-life balance: Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
* Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society.
* Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex discount, menopause support package.
* Flex your time: WSP My Hour, part-time and flexible working, additional leave purchase, and bank holiday entitlement flexibility.
* Your development: Training, mentoring, and Chartered status support.
#WeAreWSP
EEO statement: 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.
Seniority level
* Internship
Employment type
* Part-time
Job function
* Education and Training
* Industries: Professional Services
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