At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Graduate Development Programme and gain hands-on experience in diverse sectors.
- Company: WSP, a leading global professional services firm shaping communities.
- Benefits: Two-year programme with mentoring, networking, and support for chartered status.
- Other info: Applications open September 2026; early applications recommended for best chances.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Open to graduates from engineering, science, digital, data, and business backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, combining engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities and advance humanity. With over 11,700 experts across the UK and Ireland and around 83,000 globally, WSP delivers innovative solutions across a range of sectors.
Graduates can join WSP across sectors including transportation and infrastructure, property and buildings, earth and environment, power and energy, water, planning, industry and strategic advisory. WSP welcomes applicants from engineering, science, digital, data, STEM, economics, business and finance backgrounds.
WSP is committed to supporting early careers talent to succeed. Our two-year development programme combines practical experience with core business and professional skills, career development and networking opportunities. Through on-the-job learning, workshops and mentoring, graduates build the capability and confidence to contribute from the start. Graduates working towards chartered or equivalent status are financially supported and provided with a professionally registered mentor for guidance.
Graduates play a key role in delivering outcomes for communities and the environment, gaining project experience, with opportunities to get involved in wider initiatives. All graduates receive support and development opportunities to help them build their skills, grow their network and succeed from the moment they join WSP.
We will be opening for applications for our 2027 Graduate Development Programme from mid-September 2026.
For further information about the business areas we recruit for, take a look at our Graduate brochure where these are listed, along with the degree backgrounds we consider for each area.
Please find below some important information about our application process and timelines.
- Our Application Process
- Online structured application
- Online assessment
- Interview days, face-to-face or virtual interviews
- Offer of employment
- Timelines
- Applications open: First application window September - November. We then re-open for continuous recruitment for remaining vacancies from December - May.
- Interviews: November - May
- Early applications are recommended. We reserve the right to close our vacancies prior to the advertised closing date.
- 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.
Register Your Interest - 2027 Graduate Development Programme 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Register Your Interest - 2027 Graduate Development Programme
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like WSP, are hiring!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like WSP. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from WSP!
✨Leverage Internships to Build Skills
Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like WSP that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Register Your Interest - 2027 Graduate Development Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at WSP. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at WSP, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like WSP often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show WSP that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
