Construction Management Graduate Programme in Helensburgh

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Application closing date: 26th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

What will you do on the programme?

If you’re looking for a career where no two days are the same, our Construction Management Graduate Programme offers exactly that. You’ll help deliver complex infrastructure projects while developing the skills and confidence to play a key role in their success. You’ll gain experience across the full project lifecycle – from cost planning, budgeting, and contract administration through to project coordination and regulatory compliance. That might mean preparing tenders, monitoring financial performance, and supporting contract negotiations, as well as working with contractors, planning activities, managing schedules, and embedding health, safety and environmental standards. You’ll also contribute to risk management, help identify potential hazards, and promote a culture where safety is always the top priority. Every project is a chance to make a meaningful impact. Your work will help ensure critical defence infrastructure is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. You’ll also have the chance to explore emerging technologies and modern construction methods – bringing fresh thinking that helps projects run efficiently today and remain resilient for the future.

How is the programme structured?

Over the two-year programme, you’ll take on a variety of placements that give you experience across the construction project lifecycle. From planning and procurement to on-site delivery, each rotation brings new responsibilities and the chance to see how everything fits together. You’ll work closely with engineers, quantity surveyors and project managers, building your confidence and learning how to communicate technical detail clearly. It’s a supportive space to grow your skills, explore different areas and start shaping a career you’re genuinely excited about.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond. You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing. Your technical development will be just as supported. Alongside core in-house training, you’ll complete courses such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) and Project Management Qualification (PMQ), NEC3 (New Engineering Contract), and CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015) awareness. You’ll also cover health and safety training, including gaining your CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card. You’ll also benefit from training aligned with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the professional body for construction management and leadership. We’ll guide you through your professional development and cover the costs associated with achieving Chartered status.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management, a STEM degree, Civil Engineering or Construction Engineering degree. Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Construction Management graduate programme for Autumn 2026 are available at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland. We ask our graduates to be flexible as there is the potential to undertake placements in other locations during their programme. Babcock’s HM Naval Base Clyde operation provides highly specialist engineering support services, including the management of critical infrastructure and nuclear facilities. We also deliver operational maintenance, upgrades and repairs to support Royal Navy vessels, including the Vanguard and Astute-Class nuclear submarines based in Scotland. Here you'll get involved in planning and delivering complex construction work that keeps the Royal Navy’s submarine facilities running smoothly. That could mean supporting dry dock upgrades, helping manage on-site activity or contributing to long-term improvements across the estate. Whether you’re working on routine maintenance, modernisation, or cutting-edge upgrades, you'll be right at the centre of a critical defence capability.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.