2026 Graduate Programme - Property & Buildings - ESA Architects in Birmingham

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are looking for Graduates for our ESA Architecture teams, who have a flexible approach and an appetite to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory services consultancy. We want you to enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can apply your skills working for a diverse range of clients and projects.

Our Architecture team is at the heart of delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality design solutions across the UK. We work on large-scale, high-profile projects nationwide that shape spaces to inspire and meet the needs of communities and clients.

As a Part 1 Architectural Assistant, you will join our London, Birmingham or Glasgow studio and become part of a collaborative team of architects and designers where creativity, technical excellence, and client engagement are at the heart of what we do. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience on complex projects while learning from industry-leading professionals who will support your development and growth.

Day-to-Day Activities Could Include:

• Assist architects in developing design concepts and detailed drawings.
• Support project teams with technical documentation using Revit and Adobe Packages (additional training provided).
• Prepare presentations and visualisations to communicate design ideas effectively.
• Help ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements throughout project stages.
• Coordinate with consultants and internal teams to maintain design quality and consistency.
• Contribute to client meetings and liaising professionally to support project delivery.
• Assist with bid documents and proposals, showcasing creative and technical skills.

You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team, providing you with a challenging and fulfilling career. In this team, you will be dealing with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating with colleagues and adapting to dynamic project environments.

Our two-year Graduate Development programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programmes include core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and a breadth of on-the-job experience.

Our teams are dedicated to supporting your career growth from the very beginning. Many employees have started as graduates and successfully advanced within the company. Learn from experienced architects and gain exposure to BIM workflows and cutting-edge visualisation tools. Clear pathways to Part 2 roles and beyond, supported by structured reviews.

Join a vibrant, inclusive environment with design reviews, knowledge-sharing sessions, and social events. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work on landmark projects, develop your skills, and progress your career in a supportive and creative environment.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate:

• You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• You will have a working knowledge of Revit, Adobe Packages and AutoCAD (training available).
• You will have an understanding of statutory and regulatory requirements.
• You will have the ability to work collaboratively within a design team and take ownership of tasks after briefing.
• You will be proficient in scheduling and maintaining focus to ensure timely delivery of objectives.
• You will have skills to communicate technical detail graphically and effectively.
• You will have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.
• You will want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have.

Candidates must complete the application form in full answering all specific questions. This requirement applies to all candidates, inclusive of their background. Successful completion of this stage is mandatory. Candidates who pass this initial stage will then be required to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both the application form and the skill enabler assessment are essential parts of the early career recruitment process.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our roles, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.

For further information regarding our Application & Selection process, including timelines for recruitment, please visit our Early Careers brochure - Application & Selection. We review applications for our Early Career opportunities on a rolling basis, which means we begin progressing some candidates to the final stages before the application closing date. To ensure your application receives full consideration, we recommend submitting it as early as possible.

Benefits:

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

What’s in it for you? Work-life balance, Inclusivity & Belonging, Health & Wellbeing, Flex your time, Your development. We offer hybrid working, health resources, flexible benefits, and development opportunities including Mentoring and Chartership.

Work-life balance: Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP: Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.