Overview
2026 Graduate Programme - Environment - Geotechnical Engineering
Join to apply for the 2026 Graduate Programme - Environment - Geotechnical Engineering role at WSP
We are looking for graduates to join our dynamic Geotechnics & Tunnelling teams who specialise in characterising ground conditions: identifying ground risk and producing low carbon designs to mitigate those risks.
Responsibilities
* As a graduate, you’ll contribute to transformative projects across renewable energy, infrastructure, housing, marine, tunnelling, commercial developments, and healthcare, gaining hands-on experience throughout the entire project life cycle.
* Enjoy opportunities for site work and travel within the UK, Ireland, and occasionally overseas.
* Work in multidisciplinary teams and be mentored by experienced Engineers, gaining exposure to real-world challenges and innovative solutions.
* Day-to-day activities could include: producing accurate ground models using digital tools; learning foundation and ground improvement techniques; manipulating and plotting data for site characterisation and witnessing ground investigation in the field; assisting in the design of foundations, retaining walls, slopes, and other geotechnical structures; and report writing including geotechnical reports, risk assessments, drawings and design documentation.
Projects
* A83 Rest and be thankful
* Dublin Metrolink
* Multiple windfarms & Energy hubs
* HS2 N1/N2 and C2/C3 sections
* Old Oak Common Station, Euston and Curzon Street Stations
* Data Centres and Grid reinforcement projects
Geotechnics & Tunnelling Team context
Geotechnical teams work in close collaboration with planners, and both structural and civil engineers. They are involved in all aspects of a project from early planning studies through to the construction phase, as well as inspection and rehabilitation of existing facilities. You will be embedded in multidisciplinary teams and mentored by experienced Engineers, gaining exposure to real-world challenges and innovative solutions.
What you will do
* Take responsibility for producing accurate ground models using an array of digital tools.
* Learn about foundation and ground improvement techniques to manage ground risk and enable safe and sustainable construction.
* Manipulate and plot data for site characterisation and witnessing ground investigation in the field, as well as design support.
* Assist in the design of foundations, retaining walls, slopes, and other geotechnical structures.
* Prepare geotechnical reports, risk assessments, drawings and design documentation.
Graduate Development Programme
Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development through an engaging blended learning experience, including core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience.
To find out more, please visit: Who we are - ECP. Our teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning; many employees have started as graduates and advanced within the company. We encourage you to achieve chartered status with professional bodies such as ICE and CGeol or IOM3, supported through enrolment in a professional institution's training agreement.
What Will We Be Looking For You To Demonstrate
* You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject for the role.
* To assist you in finding potential areas of the business that are relevant to you, please visit our Graduate brochure or Graduate website.
* Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions; online skill enabler assessment is also required. Both are essential parts of the recruitment process.
* You'll be looking to start work in either April or September 2026.
* You’ll have an interest in Geology, Engineering Geology and how these disciplines play into Civil engineering projects.
* You’ll have pride in the work produced and a desire to learn new skills, applying them to challenges ahead.
* You’ll have a collaborative approach and willingness to ask questions, drawing on our collective knowledge.
* You’ll have a willingness to travel occasionally, undertaking site work across the UK and describe geology and ground conditions.
* You’ll have a good understanding of soil and rock mechanics and an enthusiasm for creativity and problem solving.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? If you have the right qualifications, apply and we can explore alignment to this role and other opportunities in our Graduate programme.
Application & Selection
For further information regarding our application and selection process, including timelines, please visit our Early Careers brochure. We review applications on a rolling basis, so applying early helps ensure full consideration.
What’s in it for you
We are a global engineering and professional services firm with a diverse, inclusive culture that supports development and work-life balance, flexible working options, and a range of wellbeing and career development programs.
Location and eligibility notes
Exeter, England, United Kingdom
Note: This description may include references to various roles and statuses for recruitment purposes. See original posting for the latest details.
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