At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in transformative planning projects and collaborate with communities for sustainable development.
- Company: Join WSP, a leading professional advisory consultancy with a global impact.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and support for chartered status.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career progression and mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure and make a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree (RTPI accredited) and a passion for planning and consulting.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
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’re seeking graduates who are eager to learn, flexible, and ready to make a difference. You’ll thrive in our collaborative, supportive environment, where your creativity and passion for the built environment can flourish. Whether your interest is in working with communities, driving sustainable development, or supporting innovative infrastructure, your talents will find a home with us.
Imagine being at the heart of projects that shape how we live, move, work and play. Join our 2026 Graduate Programme in Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning and launch your career with one of the UK’s leading professional advisory consultancies.
We are recruiting for Graduates in the following services & locations: Planning Consultancy: London.
A little bit more about your role and the team… Our Planning Consultancy teams work on some of the largest transformational projects across the UK, collaborating with communities to deliver sustainable development. We guide clients through the planning process, from initial site appraisals to securing consents and supporting construction. Our work spans sectors including residential, education, healthcare, logistics, industrial, retail and defence, and we have international experience, including recent projects in the Middle East.
Day-to-day activities could include:
- Varied workload across multiple sectors
- Undertaking planning appraisals, drafting planning documents
- Project managing and leading smaller projects from day one
- Working part of teams as part of larger projects
- Managing environmental teams
- Submitting and managing planning applications and appeals
- Managing project budgets
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, collaborating with colleagues and adapting to dynamic project environments.
Graduate Development Programme: 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 committed to your career progression, encouraging growth from the outset. Many colleagues joined as graduates and have now advanced within the business. We encourage you to pursue chartered status with professional bodies like the RTPI, ensuring your development is a priority. You will be fully supported through enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement, guiding you towards chartered status.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate: You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) in a relevant subject for the role you are applying for. 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’s recruitment process.
You will be looking to start work in September 2026. You’ll have a passion for Planning & consulting. You’ll have a desire for built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy. You'll have an enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems. You’ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas you have. Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our positions, 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. 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.
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. With us, you can. Apply today.
2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy in London employer: WSP
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our 2026 Graduate Programme in Planning Consultancy provides graduates with unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, supported by comprehensive training and mentorship towards chartered status. Located in London, you'll be at the forefront of transformative projects that shape communities and drive sustainable development, all while being part of a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy in London
✨Engage with Local Architecture Communities
Get involved with local architectural societies or student groups, like the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects). Attend their events, talks, and exhibits to meet industry professionals and fellow trainees who can give you insights into opportunities at firms like WSP.
✨Show Off Your Creative Side
As a trainee, having a standout portfolio is key! Use platforms like Behance or your personal website to showcase your design projects and sketches. Include a project that relates to what WSP does to catch their eye!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
Don’t forget about your university's career services; they often have strong connections in the architecture field. They can help you find internship placements or even set you up with guidance on how to approach firms like WSP.
✨Be Proactive in Your Outreach
Reach out directly to firms, including WSP, with a personal email that showcases your passion for architecture and curiosity about potential trainee roles. A friendly, well-crafted message can make a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Skills:As an aspiring architect, it’s essential to display your creativity and design capabilities. Include a portfolio that highlights your best work—be it sketches, CAD drawings, or 3D models. This will help us at WSP see your potential and unique style!
Tailor Your CV for Architecture:Your CV should highlight any architectural coursework or relevant projects you’ve completed. Emphasise software skills like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp. We want to see that you’re well-versed in the tools of the trade, so don’t hold back on detailing your technical prowess!
Express Your Passion in the Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why architecture excites you and what you hope to gain from this trainee opportunity at WSP. We’re keen to understand your motivations, so sharing your inspirations or mentioning specific architectural styles you love can help us connect with you.
Be Ready to Learn and Adapt:As a trainee, your willingness to learn is as important as your current skills. Mention any past experiences where you successfully adapted to new environments or tackled challenges. We value a growth mindset here at WSP, and showing that you’re eager to develop will make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Get your portfolio ready
Make sure your portfolio is top-notch and highlights your best design work. Include sketches, models, and any digital projects you've worked on—this is your chance to visually showcase your creativity to WSP!
✨Know your design software
Familiarise yourself with the key software used in architecture, like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your studies or projects—practical experience here can set you apart from other trainees.
✨Showcase your passion for architecture
As a trainee, they’ll want to see your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Be prepared to share what excites you about architecture, whether it's sustainable design, historical buildings, or urban planning—showing genuine interest can make a big impression at WSP.
✨Practice potential design challenges
Expect to tackle some basic architectural problems or scenarios during the interview. Brush up on fundamental concepts and be ready to explain your thought process in tackling design challenges—this is a great way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
