Graduate Programme - Planning & Development; Civils Design

Overview

2026 Graduate Programme - Planning & Development (Civils Design) role at WSP in the UK & Ireland

We are looking for graduates for our Planning and Development (Civils 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 with a diverse range of clients and projects.

We are recruiting for Graduates in the following locations:

• Guildford
• Basingstoke
• Bristol
• Manchester
• Newcastle
• Edinburgh
• Birmingham
• Leeds
• Cardiff
• London
• Cambridge
• Liverpool
• Hertford

As a Graduate in Planning and Development (Civils Design), you will work on exciting and innovative projects across defence, energy, residential and logistics & distribution, with opportunities for career progression. You will contribute to master planning, concept and detailed civil engineering designs and related activities.

• Omega Development Warrington – Largest mixed-use development in the North-West
• Monklands Hospital
• Eden Project
• York Central

• Master planning, concept and detailed civil engineering designs including Highway design, Earthworks design, Surface water drainage design and Foul water drainage design
• Utility services coordination
• Completing design calculations and drawing outputs
• Production of engineering reports and specifications
• Attending design team meetings

Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development through an engaging blended learning experience. The programme includes core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of 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 successfully advanced within the company. We encourage you to achieve chartered status with professional bodies such as ICE, ensuring your development is a priority. You will be fully supported through enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement, guiding you towards chartered status.

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 link below.

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a relevant subject for the role you are applying for.

• Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory.
• You'll be looking to start work in either April or September 2026.
• You’ll have a passion for engineering and consulting.
• You’ll have a desire for built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy.
• An enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.
• You’ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role 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, so submit early for full consideration.

Work-life balance
At WSP, work is one aspect of life. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week and opportunities to collaborate in our offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, promote an inclusive culture, and support employee resource groups to foster belonging.

Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to your health and wellbeing through the Thrive programme, including a Virtual GP service and reasonable workplace adjustments. We also offer Gymflex up to 40% off memberships and menopause support.

Flex your time
WSP My Hour: take one hour each day for personal activities with flexibility to adjust time. We offer part-time and flexible working, the option to purchase additional leave, and flexible use of bank holidays.

Your development
We invest in your growth through training, mentoring and Chartership support.

#WeAreWSP
We encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and support workplace adjustments if required.