Project Management Graduate Programme

targetjobs UK; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services company is offering a Project Management Graduate Programme starting in Autumn 2026. This two-year programme involves four six-month placements across various sectors, including Marine and Nuclear, in locations such as Bristol and Plymouth. Graduates will receive mentorship, formal qualification support, and a minimum starting salary of £35,000, alongside generous benefits including 25 days holiday and wellbeing support.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension and employee share schemes

Wellbeing support services

Discounts and cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Need a degree in project management or related field.
• Must have transferable skills like problem solving, leadership, and teamwork.
• Eligibility requires Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and manufacture of technology.
• Coordinate infrastructure upgrades and meet project deadlines.
• Manage risks and support bids.

Skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

2:2 or above in any degree

Job description

What will you do on the programme?

Project Management at Babcock is all about making things happen. You’ll support the design and manufacture of cutting-edge technology, coordinate large-scale infrastructure upgrades or help teams meet critical deadlines, placing you at the heart of delivery.

You’ll work on a wide variety of projects across different parts of the business. One month you could help shape the delivery plan for a major defence programme; the next you might be managing risks, supporting a bid, or gathering updates from colleagues in engineering, finance or procurement. All of this helps you build the confidence, awareness and practical skills needed to grow into a successful project manager.

Whatever the challenge, you’ll learn how to keep complex work on track and start building solid relationships with people across the business, developing a network that will support you for years to come.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme built around four six-month placements across the UK. You’ll move between different sectors and locations, discover how each part of the business operates and see how it all connects. Over the course of your placements, you could work with teams in our Marine, Nuclear or Land sectors. It’s a chance to see the bigger picture, build a broad skillset and find out where your strengths lie, giving you a great launchpad for your future career.

As you progress, you’ll take on more responsibility and work towards formal qualifications through the Association for Project Management. You’ll be supported to complete both your PFQ (Project Fundamentals Qualification) and your PMQ (Project Management Qualification) and apply what you learn directly to live projects.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

To help you progress toward Chartered status with the Association for Project Management, we offer full guidance and cover all associated fees.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Adaptive benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

• You’ll need a 2:2 or above in any degree. We’re particularly looking for graduates in project management, but we also welcome applicants with a keen interest in the field and transferable skills such as problem solving, leadership and teamwork.
• Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC), and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance.

Where will you be based?

Our Project Management programme for Autumn 2026 is part of our Group Graduate Programme. Over the course of the programme, you’ll complete four six-month placements across our business. Current placement locations include Plymouth, Bristol, Warrington and Cheltenham in England, as well as HM Naval Base Clyde and Rosyth in Scotland.

We’ll ask for your location preferences during the application process and we will do our best to balance your choices with the needs of the business.

Please note: the majority of Project Management placements and post-scheme roles are based in the South West. Due to the breadth of sectors at our Plymouth site, a small number of graduates may be based there for the full duration of the programme.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.