Apprentice Civil Engineer

VolkerWessels UK; Lewes; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK civil engineering company is seeking an Apprentice Engineer for the 2026 intake starting in September. The role will provide hands-on experience across major civil engineering projects, with an emphasis on learning from professionals and studying towards a recognized degree. Ideal candidates should be passionate about infrastructure, eager to learn, and capable of supporting project teams in the successful delivery of construction works. Competitive benefits and professional development opportunities are included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private medical care

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Passionate about building infrastructure and eager to learn.
• Able to support the engineering team in construction works.
• Willing to undertake routine material reconciliations and support project monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering and project teams for successful delivery.
• Learn site engineering, construction processes, and project management.
• Maintain accurate records of labour, plant, and materials.

Skills

Commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Strong time-keeping

Enthusiasm for the role

Education

Meet the required UCAS points for enrolment onto a Degree Apprenticeship

Job description

Apprentice Engineer 2026

Join VolkerStevin - A Leading Name in UK Civil Engineering

VolkerStevin is excited to launch our 2026 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship intake, starting September 2026.

If you're passionate about building the nation's infrastructure, eager to learn, and ready to kick‑start your career in commercial management - we want to hear from you.

Why Choose Us?

As an Apprentice Civil Engineer at VolkerStevin, you'll gain hands‑on experience across major civil engineering projects, learning directly from industry professionals while studying towards a recognised degree qualification. You'll be part of a supportive team where your development truly matters.

How to Apply

Applications are now open - apply today to secure your place in our 2026 intake.

Our Recruitment Process

We aim to keep the process straightforward, transparent, and supportive. Here's what to expect:

1. Application Review
   Our Early Careers team will assess your application and determine suitability for the programme.
2. Assessment Centre & Interviews
   You’ll attend a day of practical activities, group exercises, and a technical or competency‑based interview with one of our hiring managers.
   Assessment Centres will take place in April at our Preston Head Office.
3. Offer
   Successful candidates will receive an offer along with full details of next steps and onboarding.

We’ll keep you informed at every stage and provide regular updates throughout the process.

Role Overview

As an Apprentice / Trainee Civil Engineer, you will support the engineering and wider project teams in the safe and successful delivery of construction works. You will learn the fundamentals of site engineering, construction processes, and project management while completing your degree via day release.

Key Accountabilities

Operations - General

• Maintain strong time‑keeping and be on site when required for works to commence.
• Be inquisitive - ask questions, learn every day, and show enthusiasm for the role.
• Demonstrate respect for all site team members and understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Follow and uphold The VolkerStevin Way and its core principles.
• Support Site Engineers with dimensional control, including reading drawings, undertaking instrument checks, and communicating setting‑out information clearly to subcontractors and operatives.
• Contribute to quality processes by maintaining drawing registers, supporting materials sampling/testing, carrying out assurance checks, updating as‑built records, and escalating issues to your line manager.

Project Controls, Contract Knowledge & Administration

• Understand the relationship between key contract documents, including the Form of Contract, Works Information, Specification and Drawings.
• Maintain accurate records of labour, plant, materials and undertake routine material reconciliations.
• Complete daily site diaries with photographs to support project reporting and progress monitoring.
• Read and understand method statements, develop knowledge of Company HSEQ systems, COSHH requirements, correct PPE use, and report all incidents or concerns.
• Maintain accurate site and project documentation, support progress reviews, and assist in keeping as‑built and controlled information up to date.

About you

Required Qualifications / Expertise

• Meet the required UCAS points for enrolment onto a Degree Apprenticeship accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
• Commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD), demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and professional growth.
• Regular attendance and meaningful contribution to bi‑annual performance and development reviews with your line manager, HR, and senior leadership.

Why work with us?

VolkerStevin is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerStevin are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills‑based training
• Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service

Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

Additional information

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.

We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.