2026 Graduate Programme - Transport & Infrastructure - Civil

Overview

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 seeking graduates for our Civil teams who are adaptable and eager to learn in a leading Engineering and Professional Advisory consultancy. You will enjoy a collaborative work environment, applying your skills to a variety of clients and projects.

Graduate opportunities by service and location

• Bridge Engineering: London, Basingstoke, Bristol, Cardiff, Wrexham, Exeter, Truro, Birmingham, Manchester, Carlisle, Newcastle, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth (Perthshire)
• Aviation – Airport Planning & Advisory: London
• Aviation – Airfield Engineering: London
• Pavement Engineering: Derby, Reading or London
• Maritime Engineering: London, Newcastle, Basingstoke

A little more about your role and the team: Working as a Graduate in the Civil team will mean working on exciting and innovative projects across our specialist services. You can apply to work in one of our engineering teams which include bridges, airport planning and advisory, airfield engineering, maritime engineering, asset management and pavements. Each team offers hands-on experience, early responsibility, and cross-disciplinary collaboration on both small and large-scale projects, supporting professional growth. Graduates will benefit from a robust pipeline of work and strong mentorship from experienced engineers.

Projects and teams

• Bridges: A9 Dualling Specimen Design, A83 Rest and Be Thankful, M8 Woodside Viaducts, A5 Western Transport Corridor, Southern Link Road (CSLR), Tyne Bridge refurbishment, Thelwall Viaduct, HS2 Old Oak Common and Euston Stations, Old Street Underground Station redevelopment, Network Rail Civil Assessment Framework, Brent Cross TfL Structures Project
• Maritime Engineering: Barking Waste Transfer Station, Future Port Talbot, UK Ports Inspection and Rehabilitation
• Pavement Engineering: Bristol Port, National Highways, DIO MOD HS2 Old Oak Common Lane, aircraft arrestor system in Iceland, airfield in Guinea, offshore wind assembly port for 2500T cranes, National Highways SDF projects, local authority projects
• Airfield Engineering: Stansted Terminal expansion, Gatwick Pier 6 extension, Heathrow control point, runway extensions and airside upgrades in Iceland
• Airport Planning & Advisory: Leeds Bradford Airport Strategic Study, Copenhagen Airport Master Plan, Almaty Airport Technical Advisory, Dubai World Central Airport Phase II, Airport Master Plans and Competitions in Saudi Arabia

Our Civil teams

• Bridge Engineering: Supportive work across structural inspection, assessment, design, strengthening, repair, asset management and project management. Day-to-day activities include bridge inspections, site visits, asset management and supervision of contractors.
• Aviation – Airport Planning & Advisory: Delivery of high-quality airport planning and advisory services, master planning, demand forecasting, capacity analysis, modelling, and sustainability advice. Activities include technical delivery, bids and market research.
• Aviation – Airfield Engineering: Assist with airfield infrastructure design, collaborating with Senior Engineers on large projects and expanding into new aviation sectors such as VTOL/eVTOL and helipads. Day-to-day includes supporting design, reporting, and coordination across disciplines.
• Maritime Engineering: Planning, design and construction of port facilities and coastal projects, with opportunities to support energy transition and port diversification.
• Pavement Engineering: Pavement assessment, design and asset management for aviation, maritime, streetscapes and highways with a focus on cost efficiency and reducing embodied carbon.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development programme supports personal and professional development through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience. We encourage pursuit of chartered status with bodies such as ICE and IStructE and support through training agreements.

What we’re looking for

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject for the role. For our Bridges team, Master’s degrees are required. To explore opportunities, please visit the Graduate brochure or Graduate website.

• Candidates must complete the application form in full and may need to complete an online skill enabler assessment. Both are essential parts of the early career recruitment process.
• You’ll be looking to start work in April or September 2026.
• You’ll have a passion for engineering and a desire for the built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy.
• You’ll have creativity and a drive to solve problems and share new ideas.

If you don’t meet all criteria, apply anyway to see how your experience aligns to this role and other graduate opportunities.

Application & Selection

For information on timelines and processes, please consult the Early Careers brochure. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit early for full consideration.

What’s in it for you

We offer work-life balance, hybrid working, inclusivity and belonging, health and wellbeing benefits, Flex time, part-time and flexible working options, and support for professional development and chartership. We also highlight our Thrive programme and employee support resources.

About us

We are a leading engineering and professional services firm with a global team delivering positive, long-lasting impacts through innovation, integrity and inclusion. We have a strong local presence and international expertise.

EEO Statement

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We are a Disability Confident employer and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and will provide workplace adjustments on request.