Year in Industry - Project Management

Jobtrain; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highways in Bedford is offering a Year in Industry placement starting June 2027. You will work with project managers on a range of schemes, from business improvements to multimillion‑pound infrastructure projects, gaining hands‑on experience in planning, delivery, and portfolio management.

This placement includes a dedicated manager and mentors, a flexible hybrid working pattern, and access to a broad employee benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Assist project managers and teams on a range of projects, from business improvements to transformation programmes and maintenance schemes.
• Help develop and deliver projects from planning through to delivery, gaining exposure to portfolio and programme management.
• Contribute to activities from local schemes to national programmes that connect the country and shape roads.

Job description

Project Management Year in Industry

Salary: £23,620

Placement start date: June 2027

Location: Bedford

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

Are you ready to step inside the projects that make everyday journeys possible?

On your Year in Industry placement with National Highways, you’ll gain hands‑on experience with the teams delivering a wide range of projects, from business improvements and strategic transformation programmes to maintenance schemes and multimillion‑pound infrastructure projects.

Working alongside experienced project managers, you’ll see what goes into developing, planning and delivering projects, while building a strong foundation in project, portfolio and programme management.

From local schemes to national programmes, you’ll contribute to projects that help connect the country and shape the future of our roads.

If you’re passionate about turning plans into reality, this is your opportunity to contribute to work that matters, whilst building vital skills and experience for your career after university.

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 placements offer a mix of hands‑on experience, workshops, and real‑world learning to help boost your career prospects after university. You’ll have a dedicated manager, support from experienced mentors, and flexible working arrangements to help you thrive. You’ll also be part of our Early Careers community, connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and building your network.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package, which includes annual leave of 26 days (pro-ratio for internships), 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 have plenty of opportunities to develop.

To be eligible for our programme, you must:

• Be finishing the second year of your undergraduate degree and ready to start the placement full time from 28th June 2027.
• Be expected to achieve at least a 2:2 in any subject.
• Hold at least a Grade C/Grade 4 in Mathematics and English Language at GCSE.
• Be able to attend programme induction on 28th& 29th June 2027.
• Have the Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the placement. Due to the salary level of this role, we are unable to offer sponsorship for the placement 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 placement 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.

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.