Ports Engineering Apprentice PlymouthBasingstokeLondon (Autumn 2026)

AECOM; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm is seeking an enthusiastic Ports Engineering Apprentice to join their team in the UK. The role involves hands-on experience in designing and developing ports and waterfront infrastructure. Responsibilities include producing CAD drawings and assisting with project administration. Candidates should have GCSEs and A-Levels in relevant subjects. Opportunities for further education and career progression will be provided. Empower your future in engineering with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

Education funding for Level 3 course

Opportunities for career progression

Hybrid work options available

Qualifications

• A commitment to ongoing education and improvement.
• Demonstrated interest in Rail or Bridge & Structures Engineering.
• Aptitude towards software-based engineering.

Responsibilities

• Produce CAD drawings and support project administration.
• Assist with data review, analysis, and site visits.
• Contribute to developing solutions to engineering challenges.

Skills

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

methodical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above

Three A-Levels including Maths and a physical science

Job description

We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated Ports Engineering Apprentice to join our Ports & Marine team in Plymouth, Basingstoke or London starting Autumn 2026.

As an apprentice you’ll gain hands‑on experience supporting the design, maintenance and development of ports, harbours and waterfront infrastructure.

You’ll work on a variety of projects from concept design through to construction, helping to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that support global trade and coastal development.

Our Ports team works with major clients across the public and private sectors. Projects often include the design and refurbishment of quay walls, jetties, berths, breakwaters and cargo terminals as well as harbour expansions and coastal protection works. You’ll collaborate with engineers from different disciplines across AECOM to deliver integrated and resilient infrastructure solutions.

Job Responsibilities

• Production of CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings
• Supporting the administration of projects including maintaining records
• Assisting with data review and analysis
• Contributing to providing solutions to problems
• Assisting with site visits to collect information or observe existing situations
• You will combine work‑based on‑the‑job training and learning with further studies and must be willing to progress your career. After an initial probationary period you must be willing to undertake a day release course at a Further Education College to study a level 3 Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering BTEC or a level 6 Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship and ultimately work towards achieving Engineering Technician status and subsequently Incorporated Engineer status.

In order to be considered for this position please provide the following.

• CV including details of any work experience and your education, including dates, grades, subjects and the level of your education.
• Cover letter demonstrating your passion, why you are interested in this position and how your skills and education/qualifications support your application.

Qualifications

This position is ideally suited to school leavers at GCSE or A‑Level (or equivalent) who can demonstrate the following.

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics & English
• Three A‑Levels (or equivalent) including Maths and a physical science at grade C or above - essential for level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Show an aptitude towards software‑based engineering and drawing e.g. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and other similar 3D software
• Demonstrate an interest and a desire to pursue a career in Rail or Bridge & Structures Engineering
• Commitment to continued education and improvement through on‑the‑job learning and training opportunities.
• Creative, practical, adaptable and enthusiastic
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail
• Ability to think in a methodical way to design, plan and organise parts of projects
• English language proficiency holding excellent communication skills to present information in speech, drawings and reports

Training

AECOM invest heavily in the quality of our apprentice & trainee programme and the opportunities it provides. AECOM currently has more than 200 apprentices & trainees across the UK & Ireland learning from some of the most talented and renowned experts in their field bringing fresh approaches and further diversifying our workforce.

Our Trainee / Apprenticeship Programme is designed to recruit school‑leavers who show commitment, aptitude and enthusiasm.

You will combine work‑based on‑the‑job training and learning with further studies and must be willing to progress your career. After an initial probationary period you must be willing to undertake a day release course at a Further Education College to study a Level 3 course in a relevant discipline which would be funded by AECOM. Your Level 3 will be achieved during this time through your work experience.

Driven by the successful completion of a Level 3 course the successful applicant may want to continue their studies at a higher level. AECOM fully expects this and is keen to develop and nurture its talent. For those wishing to progress their education AECOM may continue to support individuals through an appropriate part‑time BA degree course to support you towards a Professional qualification status.

As a Bid Coordinator Apprentice you will have the opportunity to work with senior members of the team on a wide range of project types at various stages.

Right from day one you will be given the opportunity to get stuck in to some important and challenging projects. Working at AECOM means every day is different and you will be required to use your skills and knowledge to assist in solving problems and providing input into our projects.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation buildings water new energy and the environment our public‑ and private‑sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity diversity and inclusion and a commitment to environmental social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation benefits and well‑being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm and we’re in this together; your growth and success are ours too.

Join us and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global publicly traded firm, access to industry‑leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in each person’s potential and will help you reach yours.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition who meet the minimum / essential criteria for the role. Please let us know via this email address if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Key Skills

• Anti Money Laundering
• Healthcare Attorney
• Desktop Support
• Data Entry Operation
• Home Care
• Adobe Photoshop

Remote Work: No

Employment Type: Full‑time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1