Graduate - Generalist

Jobtrain; West of England; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highways’ Generalist Graduate programme offers a three-year rotation across core business areas, enabling you to tackle varied projects and build a wide skill set. You’ll gain hands-on experience in Transformation, Strategy, Communications, and Delivery while working with mentors and a dedicated manager to support your growth.

The programme starts September 2027 in Bristol, with a competitive £30,000 salary and a clear path to a permanent role.

Qualifications

• Hold or be on track to achieve before September 2027: undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above, in any subject.
• Be able to attend a residential induction in Birmingham from 6–9 September 2027.
• Have the unrestricted Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the programme.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience across areas such as Business Transformation, Strategy and Planning, Communications, Operational Delivery, Programmes and Projects.
• Support project teams and contribute to delivering initiatives that meet user needs.
• Develop skills through placements and mentoring while exploring future career paths within National Highways.

Education

Undergraduate degree 2:2 or above

Job description

Generalist Graduate

Salary: £30,000

Programme start date: September 2027

Location: Bristol

Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us.

Want to explore different career paths whilst making a real impact? Our three-year Graduate Programme at National Highways gives you the chance to rotate around different areas of our business, take on new challenges and build your skills, whilst discovering where your strengths and interests could take you.

Through a series of placements, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across areas such as:

• Business Transformation

• Strategy and Planning

• Communications

• Operational Delivery

• Programmes and Projects

From helping to develop long‑term strategies to supporting projects and managing key stakeholder relationships, you’ll be part of the action - and your ideas will help us meet the needs of the millions who rely on our roads every day.

And at the end of your programme, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to continue your own career journey with us, in whichever direction you choose!

What You’ll Get in Return

If you're ready to invest in your development and excited to help shape the future of transport, we’ve got your back.

Our graduate programme offers a mix of hands‑on experience, workshops, and real‑world learning. You’ll have a dedicated manager, support from experienced mentors, and flexible work arrangements to help you thrive. You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community, connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and building your network. And when the programme wraps up, we’ll help you land a permanent role in the business.

As well as a competitive salary and plenty of career development support, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package which includes a generous pension scheme, annual leave starting at 26 days (rising to 31 days with service), access to health and wellbeing schemes, discounts and cashback on shopping, going out and more!

What You’ll Need to Succeed

You’ll need to bring a positive mindset, take ownership of your work and be ready to adapt when things change. We’re looking for people who can communicate effectively, work collaboratively and think critically to solve problems. If you’re curious and keen to learn, you’ll be ready to grow with us.

To be eligible for our graduate programme, you must:

• Hold or be on track to achieve before 27th August 2027: An undergraduate (e.g. BA, BSc) degree at 2:2 or above, in any subject.

• Be able to attend our residential induction in Birmingham from 6th - 9th September 2027.

• Have the unrestricted Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the three-year programme. Due to the salary levels of the programme and the permanent role that graduates will transition to at the end of the programme, we cannot offer sponsorship for individuals that don't have the Right to Work in the UK.

• Live, or be willing to relocate, within one hour’s travel of the office location listed on this advert and be able to attend the office at least 2 days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. We are unable to offer relocation support, so please consider carefully how you will meet this requirement before applying.

Your Journey to Joining Us

Assessment Centres will run in January and February 2027, and we’ll let you know soon after whether you’ve been successful.

All offers to the programme are conditional on successfully passing both our pre‑employment checks and programme enrolment process before the programme starts. Pre‑employment checks include Right to Work, references and criminal record/DBS checks. During programme enrolment, we’ll check that your education and qualifications meet the programme entry requirements, working with our training providers and professional body partners where applicable. If we cannot verify the information you provided in your application, or you do not meet the requirements of either process, your offer may be withdrawn.

About Us

Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country, carrying a third of all traffic and two‑thirds of freight. Every single day, National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4,500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together, keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected.

We’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads, investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future. And that’s where you come in!

Why You Should Join Us

At National Highways, we believe in building a connected country. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive, collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered, valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this.

If you share our values of safety, passion, teamwork, ownership, and integrity, you’ll thrive as part of our team.