Graduate - Project Management

National Highways; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Annual leave 26 days rising to 31

Health and wellbeing schemes

Discounts and cashback on shopping

Job summary

National Highways in Exeter invites graduates to join a three-year Project Management Graduate Programme, starting September 2027. You’ll gain hands-on experience across projects from business improvements to multimillion‑pound schemes, while learning under seasoned project managers and completing a Level 4 apprenticeship aligned with the Association for Project Management (APM).

By programme end you’ll be ready to progress as an Assistant Project Manager, with a competitive salary of £30,000,

Qualifications

• You must communicate effectively, work collaboratively and think critically to solve problems.
• You’ll need an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above before 27 August 2027.
• Eligibility for the Level 4 apprenticeship requires English/Math GCSEs at grade C/4 or above.

Responsibilities

• Work with experienced project managers to learn how to plan, manage and deliver programmes.
• Rotate across local schemes and national programmes to experience the project lifecycle.
• Support preparation for residential induction and attendance at the office as per hybrid policy.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Learning mindset

Education

Undergraduate degree 2:2 or above

Job description

Project Management Graduate

Salary: £30,000

Programme start date: September 2027

Location: Exeter

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

Ready to turn plans into reality and help shape the future of our roads? 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.