Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support multi-disciplinary transport projects and develop innovative solutions.
- Company: Costain Group PLC is a leader in smart infrastructure solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, work with cutting-edge technology, and be part of a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport planning while enhancing your career in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, or similar fields is essential.
- Other info: This role offers opportunities for internships and engagement with professional bodies.
Join to apply for the Trainee Transport Planner role at Costain Group PLC
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Trainee Transport Planner role at Costain Group PLC
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DESCRIPTION
Costain helps to improve people’s lives by deploying technology-based engineering solutions to meet urgent national needs across the UK’s energy, water and transportation infrastructures.
Our transportation consultancy sector vision is “To be the UK’s top engineering and technology solutions provider, leading the highways industry in end-to-end service delivery.”
We have a rare opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic professional to shape the future of our Transportation Consultancy business, a key part of our Leading-Edge Strategy.
As a Consultant / Graduate Transport Planner, you will offer expertise in cutting edge transportation advisory placing Costain in a strong position to offer new alternatives in this market. In addition to providing traditional advisory, business case development and economic appraisals, this rare opportunity offers scope to work with our specialist technology team to explore emerging technologies in infrastructure design and future mobility.
As a key member of the Costain Transportation Consultancy team you will enjoy extensive professional development opportunities and be part of this rapidly expanding team of dynamic professionals.
This is a great opportunity to enhance your career by being at the very forefront of innovation with our clients who are shaping the future direction of not only our business but projects and programmes of the future. The industry is rapidly changing and our ability to add value at an earlier stage in a project’s lifecycle has never been greater.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support for multi-disciplinary consultancy (pre-construction) projects;
- Supporting Business Case work;
- Working on multi-disciplinary transportation infrastructure projects;
- Developing scheme options and understanding engineering feasibility; and
- Participating in stakeholder and community consultation.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
Relevant Degree: A bachelor\’s or master\’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning, Mathematics, or Environmental Science.
Knowledge:
- Fundamental Transport Planning Principles: Understanding of core concepts like trip generation, distribution, mode choice, assignment, and the four-step model.
- Transport Policy & Legislation (UK specific desirable): Awareness of national and local transport policies, guidance (e.g., NPPF, Local Transport Plans), and relevant legislation.
- Sustainable Transport Concepts: Knowledge of active travel (walking, cycling), public transport integration, and strategies for reducing car dependency.
- Basic Data Analysis & Interpretation: Understanding of statistical concepts and the ability to interpret transport data (e.g., census data, traffic counts).
- GIS Principles: Basic understanding of Geographical Information Systems and their application in transport planning.
Skills:
- Strong Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to dissect complex problems, identify key issues, and develop logical solutions.
- Excellent Written Communication: Ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured reports, emails, and presentations.
- Strong Verbal Communication & Presentation Skills: Ability to articulate ideas effectively to colleagues and potentially clients.
- Data Analysis Software Proficiency: Competence in using Microsoft Excel for data manipulation, analysis, and presentation.
- Report Writing: Ability to structure and write professional technical reports.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment, contributing to shared goals.
- Time Management & Organisation: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines.
Experience:
- Academic Project Work: Evidence of completing projects or dissertations related to transport planning, data analysis, or spatial analysis.
- Microsoft Office Suite: Proven experience using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for academic or professional purposes.
Desirable
Knowledge:
- Traffic Modelling Principles: Basic understanding of traffic flow theory, junction analysis (e.g., PICADY, ARCADY, LINSIG), and/or macro-simulation software (e.g., VISSIM, Paramics, SATURN, EMME). Even a theoretical understanding is beneficial at graduate level.
- Development Planning Process: Awareness of the planning application process and the role of transport assessments within it.
- Transport Economics/Appraisal: Basic understanding of cost-benefit analysis or other economic appraisal techniques for transport schemes.
- Smarter Choices/Behaviour Change Principles: Awareness of strategies to encourage sustainable travel behaviour.
- Public Transport Operations: Understanding of public transport networks, operations, and service planning.
Skills:
- GIS Software Proficiency: Practical experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for mapping, data visualisation, and spatial analysis.
- Programming/Scripting Skills: Familiarity with languages like Python or R for data analysis or automation.
- CAD Software Awareness: Basic understanding of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and its use in infrastructure design.
- Data Visualisation Skills: Ability to present complex data in an accessible and visually appealing manner (beyond basic Excel charts).
- Survey Design & Implementation: Experience in designing or conducting transport-related surveys (e.g., traffic counts, pedestrian counts, questionnaire surveys).
Experience:
- Work Placement/Internship: Prior work experience (even short-term) in a transport planning consultancy, local authority transport department, or a related engineering field.
- Project Management Exposure: Any experience assisting with or managing small projects, even in an academic setting.
- Engagement with Professional Bodies: Membership or active participation in relevant professional organisations (e.g., CIHT, TPS, ICE).
- Volunteering/Extracurricular Activities: Participation in activities that demonstrate problem-solving, teamwork, or leadership skills.
ABOUT US
Costain helps to improve people’s lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK’s energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK’s leading smart infrastructure solutions company. We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets: future-shaping strategic consultancy; consultancy and advisory; digital technology solutions; asset optimisation and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.
Costain appreciate the time and effort taken when applying for one of our positions but, due to the high volume of responses, we are unable to provide individual feedback on candidates at application phase.
We do share individual feedback following an interview .
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that disclose they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
For more details please go to the Disability Confident website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Internship
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
-
Industries
Civil Engineering
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Costain Group PLC by 2x
Get notified about new Transport Planner jobs in The Home, United Kingdom.
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Trainee Transport Planner employer: Costain Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Costain Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Transport Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the transport planning field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work at Costain or similar companies. Building relationships can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in transport planning. Research emerging technologies that are shaping the industry, such as smart infrastructure solutions, and be prepared to discuss how these could impact Costain's projects during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with relevant professional bodies like CIHT or TPS. Participating in their events or forums can enhance your knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for the Trainee Transport Planner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common questions related to transport planning principles and project management. Be ready to showcase any academic projects or internships that highlight your analytical skills and teamwork abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Transport Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Trainee Transport Planner role. Focus on your educational background in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, or related fields, and any projects or internships that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of Costain Group's vision and how your skills can contribute to their goals. Be sure to include examples of your teamwork and communication skills, as these are essential for the position.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your understanding of transport planning principles, data analysis, and GIS software. If you have experience with programming languages like Python or R, mention this as it can set you apart from other candidates.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-structured and error-free application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of transport planning.
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group PLC
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Trainee Transport Planner does. Familiarise yourself with key responsibilities like supporting multi-disciplinary consultancy projects and developing scheme options. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Knowledge
Brush up on fundamental transport planning principles, UK transport policy, and sustainable transport concepts. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your preparedness and genuine interest in the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to data analysis and GIS principles. Be ready to discuss any relevant academic projects or experiences that showcase your analytical skills and familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel or GIS software.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to contribute to shared goals and manage multiple tasks effectively.
