Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)

Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)

Highlands Apprenticeship 18000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and construct vital infrastructure in the Highlands.
  • Company: Leading UK civil engineering firm committed to innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: 27 days holiday, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Enjoy a diverse workplace with excellent growth opportunities and wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career while making a real difference in your community.
  • Qualifications: National 5 Maths & English; Higher Maths and STEM subjects for graduates.

The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.

Job Location: North Scotland (Inverness), primarily across the Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of the programme.

Start Date: September 2026

Additional Information:

  • Site-based role
  • Based in Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of the 2-year programme
  • Block release at the University of Highlands and Islands

Project Context:

The Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) upgrade framework includes a programme of overhead lines, underground cables and substations to redevelop the transmission network in the north of Scotland between now and 2030. Our allocation includes the design and construction of two new 400kv substations in Spittal and Loch Buidhe and the delivery of 85km of overhead line. The conceptual design phase supported SSEN’s Planning Consent submission to the Scottish Government.

Apprenticeship Program:

We are looking to recruit highly motivated apprentices with strong aspirations to pursue an engineering career within a leading UK civil engineering & construction organisation. Your responsibilities will increase throughout the apprenticeship as your skills develop, and you will be supported by an apprenticeship mentor and a university tutor.

Experience Overview:

You will be placed on the ASTI upgrade framework where you will be exposed to dimensional control of site works, understanding engineering requirements, planning activities, reading site documents, developing construction strategies and sequences, assisting with quality control checks, undertaking site inspections, reviewing health and safety documents, and developing as-built surveys.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Working alongside project engineers and construction managers.
  • Developing construction strategies and sequences.
  • Undertaking concept design and site inspections of temporary works.
  • Assisting with scope reviews of civil and structural tenders.
  • Providing design and remedial solutions.
  • Reviewing and preparing risk assessments and method statements.
  • Establishing and maintaining secondary dimensional control.
  • Developing knowledge of as-built surveys.
  • Checking dimensions of major elements and critical interfaces.
  • Monitoring surveying and setting out of subcontractors, ensuring best practice.
  • Raising Non-Conformance Reports.
  • Ensuring subcontractors comply with method statements and inspection test plans.
  • Assisting with quality control checks.
  • Assisting package and construction managers with quality issues arising on site.

Qualifications for Entry:

National 5 Maths & English at grade A-C. For the Graduate apprenticeship: Higher Maths & 1 other STEM subject minimum grade C, or NC Civil Engineering (SCQF 6).

Location & Travel:

The position is based in North Scotland (Inverness) with work predominantly across the Highlands/Alness to Wick. Due to remote locations, applicants must be willing to travel and hold a full UK driving licence.

Work Status:

Eligible to work in the UK with a valid work permit if applicable. We do not provide sponsorship.

Benefits:

  • Dedicated and continued investment in your professional development.
  • Commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture.
  • 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, with an option to buy an additional 2 days per year.
  • Charity leave: 2 days per year.
  • Discretionary annual bonus and salary review.
  • Above-market rate contributory pension scheme.
  • Life assurance, health screening and enhanced sick pay.
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay and a maternity returners bonus.
  • Extra weeks holiday and a wedding bonus for employees getting married.
  • Subsidised canteen facilities in core locations.
  • Retail discounts, cashback, discounted gym memberships, cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Access to Murphy Wellbeing support tools.

Recruitment Process:

Application including a CV. Online interactive exercise (Graduate apprenticeship only). In-person interview.

We are open to discuss reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process. Please contact emergingtalent@murphygroup.co.uk.

EEO Statement:

Murphy is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland) employer: Thetrupgrade

Murphy Group is an exceptional employer for aspiring civil engineers, offering a robust apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with academic learning at the University of Highlands and Islands. With a commitment to professional development, a diverse and inclusive culture, and generous benefits including 27 days of holiday and a contributory pension scheme, employees are well-supported in their career growth while contributing to significant projects in the stunning Highlands of Scotland.

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Contact Details:

Thetrupgrade Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Murphy and the ASTI upgrade framework. Understanding their projects and values will help you stand out in interviews and show your genuine interest.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. It’s all about making those connections!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your skills align with the responsibilities listed, like site inspections and quality control checks. We want to see you shine!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Murphy.

We think you need these skills to ace Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)

Dimensional Control
Engineering Requirements Understanding
Planning Activities
Site Document Reading
Construction Strategy Development
Quality Control Checks
Site Inspections

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft Your CV with Care:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the Civil Engineer Apprentice role. We want to see your passion for engineering shine through!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Tailor it to the job description! Mention specific projects or responsibilities from the role that excite you. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.

Showcase Your Qualifications:Make sure to clearly list your qualifications, especially your National 5 Maths & English grades. If you have any additional STEM subjects, flaunt them! We’re looking for motivated apprentices who meet our entry criteria.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the recruitment process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Thetrupgrade

Know Your Engineering Basics

Brush up on your civil engineering fundamentals, especially those related to site inspections and construction strategies. Being able to discuss concepts like dimensional control and risk assessments will show that you're serious about the role.

Research the Company and Project

Familiarise yourself with the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) upgrade framework and the specific projects involved. Understanding the context of the work in the Highlands will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate your enthusiasm.

Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Think about how you would handle real-life situations on site, such as quality control checks or dealing with non-conformance reports. Be ready to share any relevant experiences or hypothetical approaches during the interview.

Show Your Willingness to Learn

As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to develop your skills over the two-year programme and how you can contribute to the team while growing in your role.