Degree Apprentice Civil Engineer - Water - Exeter (2026)

ESI Limited, now part of Stantec; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Exeter is seeking a Degree Apprentice Civil Engineer to join its Apprentice Programme. This role offers hands-on experience in Civil Engineering design while gaining a Level 6 degree. You will work and learn in a dynamic team focused on sustainable solutions for infrastructure challenges. Ideal for motivated individuals eager to launch a career in engineering, with support for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

Holiday buy and sell

Professional progression plan

Qualifications

• Self-motivated and eager to start a career in engineering.
• At least 5 GCSEs with a grade of 5 or above in Maths and English.
• A levels including mathematics at grade B or above.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed drawings and technical models for infrastructure projects.
• Master industry software such as AutoCAD and GIS.
• Assist Senior Engineers across the project lifecycle.

Skills

Proactivity

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

GCSEs: Minimum 5 at grade 5 or 6 in Maths and English

A level: BBC including mathematics

UCAS tariff points: Minimum 112

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Job description

Exeter, GBR

With Every Community, Stantec Redefines What’s Possible.

Application Deadline: Recruitment is ongoing. Please apply as soon as possible as the advert may close once we have sufficient applicants.

Your Role

We have an opportunity for a Degree Apprentice (Level 6) Civil Engineer to join our Apprentice Programme in our Civil Engineering team based in Exeter.

Join Stantec's award-winning Water division and kick-start your career where innovation meets world-class infrastructure. We’re not just moving water; we’re designing critical, sustainable solutions for climate resilience, net zero targets, and ensuring millions of people have access to clean, safe water. This is your chance to gain an invaluable qualification and make a real, tangible impact from day one.

You will be joining a diverse and highly skilled team of Water Engineers and Modellers who are solving some of the industry’s toughest challenges. This role is a true blend of technical learning and real-world delivery.

You Will Learn To

• Dive into the hands-on world of Civil Engineering design. You’ll be producing detailed drawings and technical models for crucial infrastructure projects, including state-of-the-art clean and wastewater treatment works, high-capacity pumping stations, and resilient pipeline networks.
• You'll be trained to master powerful industry software such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), especially AutoCAD Civil 3D, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to accurately map, model, and visualize solutions.
• Contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions—from concept to delivery—that reduce our environmental impact and future-proof our water supplies. This could involve pioneering flood risk reduction schemes or assisting with Nature-based Solutions.
• You’ll assist Senior Engineers across the entire project lifecycle, working closely with multidisciplinary experts, including Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, to ensure that we are always delivering the most innovative and efficient solution for our clients.

Our apprenticeships allow you to learn whilst you earn as you study for an academic qualification. You’ll get the chance to expand your knowledge by attending either Coventry or Exeter University on block release, gaining a Level 6 degree in Civil Engineering.

About You

For our apprenticeships no previous experience is required. If you are self-motivated, proactive, and eager to start a career in engineering, this could be the role for you.

Qualifications

For our Level 6 apprenticeship you will need either:

• GCSEs: At least 5 GCSEs with a grade of 5 or 6 (B) or above in Maths and English Language. Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths are also accepted. You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below:
• UCAS tariff points: 112 points minimum.
• A level: BBC (ABB for entry to Exeter University), including mathematics at grade B or above and one other analytical subject (also with a grade B)
• BTEC (Level 3) Extended Diploma: DDM; must include a Merit or above in Maths and Further Mathematics in Construction Units.
• Scottish Highers: 4 SQA Higher - A, B, B, B (to include Mathematics)
• Irish Leaving Certificate: (Highers) H3, H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 (at least H3 for Maths and one other Analytical Science)
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points/655. HL5 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL5 in another Science subject, including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies.
• Other equivalent qualifications may be considered.

We Also Look For Someone Who Is

• A Striver: Exhibiting ownership, consistently delivering on tasks and objectives. You’ll be motivated and proactive in your tasks, having the desire to make a real difference.
• A Collaborator: You’ll love to work effectively with lots of different people at different levels, all inputting their part towards a shared goal.
• A Planner: Organising and managing your own activities, dealing effectively with multiple priorities with a structured approach.
• An Adapter: Able to remain calm in new situations, comfortably switching between a variety of dynamic and exciting tasks.
• A Multi-Tasker: Thinking about more than one task at a time, while still having an eye for detail.
• A Problem-Solver: You’ll love to give your thoughts based on what you see, being unafraid to challenge conventional thinking.

Please note, we ask our Apprentices to come into the office 4 days per week, to ensure that colleagues are able to provide the appropriate level of support.

What We Can Offer You

• A competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• A range of benefits, including holiday buy and sell, group income protection and life assurance
• Permanent employment contract to demonstrate our commitment to your long-term career at Stantec
• Professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with a relevant professional body

A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network.

Applicants must have an unconditional right to live and work in the UK for an indefinite period without limitation.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.