Graduate Programme 2026 - Structural Engineering

Turner Townsend; Leicester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Leicester seeks a Graduate for its Civil team. In this position, you will engage in exciting projects such as bridge design and airport planning while benefiting from mentorship by experienced engineers. The role offers a two-year development program aimed at supporting your career growth in a global industry. Candidates should have a relevant degree and a passion for engineering and infrastructure development. Competitive remuneration and a vibrant work environment are offered.

Benefits

Mentorship from experienced engineers

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
• Must complete the application form in full and answer all specific questions.
• Must be passionate about engineering and the built environment.

Responsibilities

• Support experienced colleagues in civil engineering works.
• Manage smaller projects and gain exposure to large-scale works.
• Deliver high-quality airport planning and advisory services.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Creativity

Education

Master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject

Job description

Overview

Working as a Graduate in the Civil team will mean working on exciting and innovative projects across our specialist services. You can apply to work in one of our engineering teams which include bridges, airport planning and advisory, airfield engineering, maritime engineering, asset management and pavements. Each team offers hands‑on experience, early responsibility, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration on both small and large‑scale projects, supporting professional growth. Graduates will benefit from a robust pipeline of work and strong mentorship from experienced engineers, building a solid foundation for a successful engineering career within a global industry.

Notable Projects

• Bridges: A9 Dualling Specimen Design, A83 Rest and Be Thankful, M8 Woodside Viaducts, A5 Western Transport Corridor, Southern Link Road (CSLR), Tyne Bridge refurbishment, Thelwall Viaduct, HS2 Old Oak Common and Euston Stations, Old Street Underground Station redevelopment, Network Rail Civil Assessment Framework, Brent Cross TfL Structures Project
• Maritime Engineering: Barking Waste Transfer Station, Future Port Talbot, UK Ports Inspection and Rehabilitation
• Pavement Engineering: Bristol Port, National Highways, DIO MOD HS2 Old Oak Common Lane, aircraft arrestor system in Iceland, airfield in Guinea, offshore wind assembly port for 2500T cranes, National Highways SDF projects, local authority projects
• Airfield Engineering: Stansted Terminal expansion, Gatwick Pier 6 extension, Heathrow control point, runway extensions and airside upgrades in Iceland
• Airport Planning & Advisory: Leeds Bradford Airport Strategic Study, Copenhagen Airport Master Plan, Almaty Airport Technical Advisory, Dubai World Central Airport Phase II, Airport Master Plans and Competitions in Saudi Arabia

Bridge Engineering

As a Graduate you will support experienced colleagues in civil engineering works such as structural inspection, assessment, design, strengthening, repair, asset management and project management. You will manage smaller projects early on while gaining exposure to large, complex works.

• Bridge inspections using specialist access provision (pontoons, under‑bridge gantries, mobile platforms, confined space entry)
• Organisation of site visits and structural design and assessment
• Design of structural repairs and asset management
• Structural bridge assessment calculations
• Supervision of contractors and project management
• Business development and tendering

Airport Planning & Advisory

Deliver high‑quality airport planning and advisory services in the UK and internationally, including master planning, demand forecasting, capacity analysis, airside and terminal modelling, and sustainability advice.

• Technical delivery of planning tasks, capacity analysis, and bid preparation
• Research on emerging markets such as sustainable aviation fuels and AAM/eVTOLs
• Responsible for successful completion and delivery of airport planning related tasks
• Prepare bids and proposals for potential new projects
• Support technical understanding of new emerging markets in sustainable aviation

Airfield Engineering

Assist with a range of aviation civil engineering works focused on airfield infrastructure design, gaining exposure to UK and large multi‑disciplinary international airports.

• Support senior airfield engineers in airfield design development
• Assist in production of technical reports and specifications
• Undertake civil works design and review across all design stages
• Geometric and grading design of runways, taxiways, aprons, and service roads
• Coordinate design across multiple disciplines (pavement, structural, drainage)
• Assist with Civil 3D design of civil works and airfield infrastructure
• Prepare design proposals, resource estimates, and manage sub‑consultants
• Visit airfields in the UK and internationally for technical design consultation

Maritime Engineering

Plan, design and construct port facilities, marine infrastructure and coastal facilities, supporting energy transition initiatives.

• Inspection, design and rehabilitation of UK ports
• Concept and detail designs of port infrastructure globally
• Site visits to operations ports in the UK and overseas
• Preparation of project deliverables (reporting, specifications, drawings)
• Undertaking technical calculations and research topics
• Prepare accurate records of project meetings and document control
• Assist with financial management of projects

Pavement Engineering

Deliver civil engineering works with a focus on pavement engineering across aviation, maritime, streetscapes and highways, emphasizing cost efficiency and embodied carbon reduction.

• Assist with local highway and pavement inspections
• Pavement design to National Highways, Military and commercial airfield and port standards
• Design of repairs and maintenance of assets, supporting expert and technical advice commissions
• Report writing and preparation of calculations, specifications and drawings

Graduate Development Programme

The two‑year programme supports personal and professional development through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, networking, mentoring for professional registration and on‑the‑job experience. It encourages students to pursue chartered status with ICE or IStructE, and provides support for health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme, a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support and flexible working options.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject; master’s only accepted for the Bridges team
• Must complete the application form in full and answer all specific questions
• Will then complete an online skill enabler assessment
• Start date: either April or September 2026
• Passion for engineering, built environment, infrastructure and problem‑solving
• Desire to inspire with new ideas and drive creativity

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates irrespective of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.