Graduate Civil Engineer

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring

Structured development programme

Clear progression routes

Competitive benefits

Job summary

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd is offering a Graduate Development Programme for final year students in Civil Engineering or related disciplines. The 18-month, mentored programme provides hands-on experience across major civil engineering and infrastructure projects while learning health and safety compliance and project coordination.

You will rotate through planning, setting out on site, reporting, and subcontractor coordination, with clear progression routes and a strong collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Final year bachelor’s or HNC/HND student in Civil Engineering or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience across major civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
• Participate in structured mentoring and progression pathways.
• Assist with site setting out to contract drawings.
• Learn health and safety/CDM responsibilities and compliance.
• Contribute to site progress reporting and programme updates.
• Support planning and management of site resources for safety and efficiency.
• Engage with subcontractors and observe project documentation controls.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team player

Drive and ambition

Curiosity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related

HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

Job description

Are you ready to launch your career in the world of Civil Engineering? Join McLaughlin & Harvey, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading building and civil engineering contractors, on our Graduate Development Programme

We are a forward-thinking Company with an established presence across the UK and Ireland. Our values We Commit, We Care, We Collaborate shape how we work with our clients, partners, and each other.

What’s in it for you?

• Structured 18-month programme with dedicated mentoring and clear progression routes
• Hands-on experience across major civil engineering and infrastructure projects
• Opportunity to complete an Institute of Leadership and Management qualification
• Collaborative Culture – Be part of a team that values innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence
• Competitive Package – Enjoy a competitive salary and great benefits (Check out our full list of benefits here: https://www.mclh.co.uk/careers/employee-benefits/ )

What to expect:

As a graduate, you’ll be at the heart of the project, gathering invaluable hands‑on experience for you to thrive in an evolving industry. During the programme you will have the opportunity to:

• Understand duties and responsibilities with regards to current Health and Safety/CDM legislation, including those of other parties and ensure compliance.
• Assist with and ensure setting out is done on site to the contract drawings.
• Ensure all site activities are undertaken in compliance with McLaughlin and Harvey SHEQ policies and procedures
• Ensure that the project programme is available and communicated to the supply chain prior to work commencing
• Manage the work in line with the programme, monitor progress and update the programme accordingly, including elements of design and procurement
• Produce weekly / monthly progress reports as appropriate
• Communicate programme risks to the management team and maintain records for contractual correspondence
• Plan and manage site resources to ensure there is a safe working environment and to achieve the programme
• Ensure accurate daily records including site diary are maintained and communicated for labour, material and plant, including subcontractors
• Communicate McLaughlin and Harvey policies and procedures to subcontractors and ensure these are being observed
• Produce, implement and maintain the site logistics plan detailing access, egress, transit routes, plant location, storage, waste disposal etc
• Manage the subcontract package in line with the subcontract order documents, including the pre‑let meeting minutes and attendances
• Ensure the management team are kept appraised of variations to the works and any matter likely to have commercial or contractual implications

Who we’re looking for:

• Final year bachelor’s or HNC/HND students in Civil Engineering or related disciplines
• Forward thinkers with strong analytical skills
• Team players with drive, curiosity, and a passion for the built environment
• Eligibility to work in the UK or Ireland
• Hold a full UK driving Licence

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with a company that values your expertise and innovation, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us on our journey to #BuildingTogetherUnlockingPotential

McLaughlin and Harvey are an equal opportunities employer who are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the communities in which we work.

We take responsibility for always striving to create a collaborative and inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment where we will provide all reasonable adjustments at interview stage and beyond and commit to extending an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum job role requirements.