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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former HS2 employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a spot in the graduate programme. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common engineering questions and scenarios. Think about how you can showcase your problem-solving skills and creativity. We want to see how you tackle real-world challenges, so be ready to share examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities right there. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate - Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Engineering Graduate role. We want to see how you can contribute to HS2, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects or coursework!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for engineering and infrastructure shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the work we do at HS2, so share why this opportunity is important to you!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your ideas flow logically. This will help us understand your thought process better!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message, so let’s make sure everything is polished and professional. We’re excited to see your best work!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Make sure you brush up on your engineering fundamentals before the interview. HS2 is looking for graduates who can demonstrate a solid understanding of engineering principles, especially as they relate to major infrastructure projects. Be prepared to discuss your degree and any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to tackle some problem-solving scenarios. HS2 values candidates who can think critically and creatively about complex issues. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as this will help you stand out when discussing how you approach challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
HS2 places a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships or communicated technical information to non-technical audiences. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in engineering roles.
✨Embrace Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Familiarise yourself with HS2's commitment to EDI. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. Sharing your thoughts on diversity in engineering and how it can enhance team performance will resonate well with the interviewers.
