At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in engineering with real-world projects and expert mentorship.
- Company: Join HS2, the UK's innovative high-speed rail network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic rotational programme with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that boosts the economy and creates jobs.
- Qualifications: 2:2 Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent; strong planning and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26871 - 30902 £ per year.
HS2’s Graduate programmes have been designed to create meaningful opportunities for hands‑on experience and broad exposure across the project and within specified discipline areas. Graduates will learn directly from industry experts, gaining valuable insight into real‑world practices whilst building their professional network. The programmes offer a range of learning and development opportunities from technical development to core skills development, equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to grow and succeed at HS2 and beyond.
There are four Engineering graduate opportunities available this year based in London. All positions will involve regular travel to various site locations along the HS2 route. The Engineering graduate programme has been specifically tailored to build capability and competence in various aspects of engineering. It will provide you with experience and exposure to the different aspects through role rotations, ‘on‑the‑job’ training, technical qualifications and support from technical leads and mentoring. As an Engineering Graduate, there will be a variety of opportunities available within the engineering teams to work with company experts and learn from their experience. Joining as an Engineering Graduate provides the best opportunity to learn how a high‑speed railway relies on a complex interface between multiple engineering disciplines. At HS2 we offer a two‑year rotational graduate programme, providing opportunities for learning and development across a range of programme related placements. All graduate programmes are designed to provide enabling, practical experience and exposure to discipline relevant aspects of the project, alongside discipline specific technical training.
What You’ll Do
- Support management of HS2’s Technical Assurance activities.
- Support administration of HS2’s Request for Information (RFI) process via the HS2 RFI system.
- Support management of HS2’s Departures and Assumptions processes via the HS2 RFI system.
- Support HS2’s Technical Assurance Review process.
- Support HS2’s Document Controllers in managing the process of review/comment on contract deliverables.
- Undertake Design Reviews across Integrated Project Teams (IPTs).
- Support production of Verification Activity Plans.
- Support management of the HS2 supervisor’s inspection schedule.
- Support management of the risk‑based review of Inspection and Test Plans.
- Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
Skills
- Planning and organisational skills – the ability to prioritise and deliver day‑to‑day tasks.
- Prioritisation skills – the ability to coordinate and deliver multiple tasks and responsibilities to agreed time and quality standards.
- Data analysis skills – the ability to review and analyse data, and produce and present documents and reports to a variety of audiences.
- Stakeholder engagement skills – the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Communication skills – the ability to review, convert and communicate technical information into a format that is understood by non‑technical audiences in a persuasive and engaging way.
- Problem solving – the ability to understand complex issues to carry out problem solving.
- Creative thinking skills – the ability to develop creative ideas to support continuous improvement.
Knowledge
- 2:2 Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline.
- Awareness of engineering and major infrastructure projects.
- IT knowledge including Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalent.
To be eligible to apply for HS2’s 2026 Graduate programmes, all applicants will need to already hold the on‑going Right to Work in the UK, that is not time‑bound in any way. Due to the nature of our organisation, HS2 are not able to sponsor any applications as we do not hold the required sponsorship license from the UK Home Office and candidates are not allowed to sponsor themselves. We appreciate the Right to Work question can be complex to understand, so if you are unsure of your Right to Work status in the UK, please email us at HS2Jobs@hs2.org.uk and we will be happy to advise further. Please note, to enable HS2 to comply with UK Home Office policy, Right to Work status will be checked early in the recruitment process.
Graduate Programme Salaries
- London: Basic £26,871 + 15% Flexible allowance = £30,902
- Birmingham: Basic £24,022 + 15% Flexible allowance = £27,625
Please note the rotational placements may vary and are subject to business requirements.
About Us
High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK’s new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain’s major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff – living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. HS2 Ltd is also a safety‑critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our ‘Safe at Heart’ programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.
Graduate - Engineering employer: HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
HS2 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth through hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts. With a focus on technical development and core skills, graduates will benefit from a two-year rotational programme in London, gaining invaluable insights into engineering practices while contributing to a transformative high-speed rail project. The commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion ensures a supportive environment where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate - Engineering
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Graduate - Engineering role you’re after at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Graduate - Engineering at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Graduate - Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
