2026 Graduate Programme – Electrical & Mechanical Engineering in Manchester

2026 Graduate Programme – Electrical & Mechanical Engineering in Manchester

Manchester Trainee 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WSP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support innovative engineering projects and collaborate with diverse teams across the UK.
  • Company: Leading engineering firm focused on sustainable energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with hands-on experience and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in engineering and make a real difference in the energy sector.
  • Qualifications: MEng in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, strong analytical skills, and teamwork spirit.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are recruiting for graduates in the following services and locations:

  • Power Systems (MEng Electrical Engineering): Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester
  • Asset Management (MEng): Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, London and Birmingham

Day‑to‑day activities could include:

  • Supporting the delivery of power system studies (load flow, fault level, stability, harmonics).
  • Assisting with grid connection support for renewable and storage developers.
  • Contributing to technical reports and client presentations.
  • Helping with project proposals and bid documents.
  • Learning to use specialist power system software (e.g. DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E, ETAP, PSCAD).
  • Participating in multi-disciplinary project teams across the UK and internationally.
  • Supporting stakeholder engagement and client meetings.
  • Keeping up to date with emerging energy technologies and regulations.

We are recruiting for graduates in the following locations:

  • MEng Electrical Engineering: Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester and London

Day‑to‑day activities could include:

  • Engineering Design Support: Assisting senior engineers with the design of electrical and civil components for transmission and distribution projects, including substations, overhead lines, and underground cable routes.
  • Feasibility Studies: Contributing to initial project assessments by conducting site surveys, analysing data, and helping to identify the most effective and sustainable engineering solutions.
  • Technical Reporting: Preparing and compiling technical reports, drawings, and specifications that document design choices, calculations, and project progress for clients like National Grid.
  • Site Visits and Inspections: Gaining hands‑on experience by visiting project sites to survey existing infrastructure, monitor construction progress, and ensure work is being carried out to the required specifications and safety standards.
  • Project Management Assistance: Supporting project managers with tasks such as scheduling, cost tracking, and risk assessment to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Assisting in communications with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to coordinate project activities and address any technical queries.
  • Continuous Learning: Staying up‑to‑date with the latest industry standards and engineering technologies.

We are recruiting for graduates in the following location:

  • MEng Mechanical Engineering / MEng / MSc in Computing or MSc in BIM for Smart Engineering: Belfast

Day‑to‑day activities could include:

  • Support project teams with BIM Digital Advisory and strategy.
  • Coordinate and review BIM models for accuracy.
  • Work with ISO19650 standards and common data environments (e.g., BIM360 Docs).
  • Help implement workflows for digital collaboration.

2026 Graduate Programme – Electrical & Mechanical Engineering in Manchester employer: WSP

WSP is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and development through initiatives like the Land Academy. With a strong emphasis on hybrid working arrangements, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that shape urban and rural landscapes across the UK and Ireland.

WSP

Contact Details:

WSP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Programme – Electrical & Mechanical Engineering in Manchester

Get Hands-On Experience

Dive into practical projects, even if they're DIY at home or in your community. Many engineering firms are impressed by real-world application, so build something cool and document it! Showing action is way more impactful than just talking about theories.

Join Engineering Societies and Clubs

Get involved with engineering clubs at your university or local societies. These communities often host events, workshops, and networking opportunities that can lead you to internships or traineeships. Plus, you'll meet like-minded folks and get a chance to show off your enthusiasm!

Connect with Alumni from Your Programme

Don’t underestimate the power of university connections! Reach out to alumni who’ve ventured into engineering roles. They might have insider tips or even know of traineeship opportunities at places like WSP. A warm introduction can often go a long way.

Apply Early and Often

Trainee positions can fill up fast, so get your applications in as soon as you spot them! Keep an eye on our website for openings at companies like WSP. The earlier you apply, the more chances you’ll have to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Programme – Electrical & Mechanical Engineering in Manchester

Power System Analysis
Grid Connection Support
Technical Reporting
Project Proposal Development
Specialist Power System Software (DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E, ETAP, PSCAD)
Engineering Design Support
Feasibility Studies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:As you’re applying for a trainee role in engineering, make sure to list your relevant technical skills prominently on your CV. Include any specific software or tools you’ve used (like CAD software) and mention specific projects or coursework that showcases your hands-on experience. We want to see what you’ve done and what you can bring to the table!

Get Personal with Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your passion for engineering and why you’re excited about the opportunity at WSP. Talk about what drives you and any specific areas of engineering you're keen on exploring further. We love to see your motivation and how you plan to grow in this role. Tailor it to us, and we’ll notice!

Highlight Your Educational Journey:Since this is a trainee position, your educational background is key! Make sure to mention not just your degree, but any relevant certifications or additional training you’ve taken. If you're a recent graduate or still studying, we want to see how your studies connect to this role in engineering.

Include Group Projects or Internships:If you’ve worked on any group projects or have had internships, make sure to call them out in your application. Collaboration is vital in engineering, so we want to see how well you’ve worked with others in real-world scenarios. Sharing this experience can set you apart from other trainees applying to WSP!

How to prepare for a job interview at WSP

Speak the Lingo

Engineering is packed with technical jargon, so brush up on relevant terminology. Whether it's CAD software or the basics of thermodynamics, you might be asked to explain concepts or tools you're familiar with. Using the right language shows you're not just a newbie but someone who's got a genuine interest in the field!

Problem-Solving in Action

Expect technical questions or scenarios where you’ll be asked to solve engineering problems. Practise logic puzzles or review relevant project cases you've worked on, even if they're part of your studies. Showcasing your critical thinking skills is key, especially in a trainee position where they want to see your potential!

Show Us Your Projects

As a trainee, your portfolio might not be extensive, but bring along any relevant projects you’ve completed during your studies. Highlighting your hands-on experience, even if it’s from coursework or internships, gives the interviewers at WSP a tangible taste of your skills and what you can bring to their team.

Be Ready to Learn

In a trainee role, demonstrating a willingness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and adapt to new challenges, as this is a trait many companies, including WSP, will be looking for. They want to see that you’re not just eager to hit the ground running, but also keen to grow within the engineering field!