Graduate - Project Management

National Highways; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Annual leave 26–31 days

Health and wellbeing schemes

Discounts and cashback

Job summary

National Highways invites applications for its three-year Project Management Graduate Programme based in Bedford. You will gain hands-on experience across a broad range of programmes, from maintenance schemes to strategic transformations, while working with experienced project managers and completing a Level 4 apprenticeship.

You’ll be mentored, supported by a dedicated manager, and benefit from flexible hybrid work arrangements as you prepare for a permanent role as an Assistant Project Manager.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) by Aug 2027.
• GCSE English and Maths Grade C/4+ or willing to complete.
• Must have lived in England for 3 years before Sep 2027.
• Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the programme.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of projects.
• Learn to plan, manage and deliver successful programmes of work.
• Experience placements across the business to cover project lifecycle stages.
• Complete a levy-funded Level 4 apprenticeship aligned with the APM.
• Go on to a permanent role as Assistant Project Manager after graduation.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Bedford

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

Salary: £30,000

Programme start date: September 2027

Project Management Graduate Programme

On National Highways’ three-year Project Management Graduate Programme, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across a wide variety of projects, from business improvements and strategic transformation programmes to maintenance schemes and multimillion‑pound infrastructure projects. Working closely with experienced project managers, you’ll learn what it takes to plan, manage and deliver successful programmes of work. From local schemes to national programmes, you’ll experience different stages of the project lifecycle through placements across the business. Alongside this, you’ll complete a levy‑funded Level 4 apprenticeship, which is aligned with the professional knowledge, skills and behaviours required to obtain full membership of the Association for Project Management (APM). By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to continue your career with us as an Assistant Project Manager, using everything you’ve learned to take on new challenges and build your future in project management.

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.
• You must also meet all eligibility criteria for the apprenticeship component as follows:
• Have Grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language and Mathematics or be willing to complete these qualifications during the programme.
• Have lived in England for 3 consecutive years before 1 September 2027 and continue to live in England for the full 3-year graduate programme.
• Not have completed any other previous study (including your degree) in Project Management.
• 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.