2027 Graduate Programme - Local Government (Civil Engineering)

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives, while building a career as unique as you.

We are looking for graduates to join our Local Government teams in 2027. This is an opportunity to work in a leading professional services consultancy, supporting local authorities, public sector organisations and communities to deliver positive change.

Opportunities are available in:

Local Government - Bridge Engineering – Exeter

Local Government - Roads Engineering – Lincoln and Exeter

Local Government - Structure/Infrastructure Engineering – Exeter and Gloucester

A little bit more about your role and the team…

As a Graduate in one of our Local Government teams, in Exeter, Lincoln or Glocester, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a range of projects supporting local authorities and the communitites they serve. Depending on your role, you could work across areas including bridges, highways, structures and infrastructure, helping to develop solutions that respond to local needs and improve connectivity.

You will work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with engineers and other specialists to support the design and delivery of projects. Through technical work, analysis, and project delivery, you will build your knowledge and experience while developing your professional skills and taking greater responsibility as your careers progresses.

As we work in partnership with local councils in our Local Government team – North Yorkshire Council, Leeds City Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Norfolk County Council, Exeter City Council, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Merthyr Tydfil Council and Bridgend Council - we are unable to offer flexibility on the above locations.

Before you start your application: We encourage you to take a few minutes to watch these short videos. They explain what to check before applying and offer practical guidance to help you prepare and submit your application:

Before you apply: Your recruitment journey starts here

What we look for: Submitting your application.

What we’re looking for

• You will have, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:2 in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Please ensure you have checked degree backgrounds considered for our graduate roles.

• You will be looking to start work in September 2027.

• You will have an interest in local government, regeneration, sustainable development, infrastructure or creating thriving communities.

• You will be curious about the challenges facing towns, cities and rural communities, and be motivated to develop solutions that deliver positive outcomes.

• You will enjoy working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, community groups and multidisciplinary project teams.

• You will take ownership of your work and development while helping to create value for our clients and the communities they serve.

• You will be eager to learn, develop new skills and gain experience across a diverse range of projects that shape the future of places.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our roles, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.

Our Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development Programme is designed to help you build the skills, experience and professional network needed to thrive at the start of your career with us. Through a blend of structured learning, mentoring and hands-on project experience, you will be supported every step of the way.

Application process

Candidates must complete the application form in full, including all specific questions. If successful at this stage, you will be invited to complete an online assessment, containing a Cognitive Assessment, personality questionnaire and Situational Judgement Test (SJT). All stages are essential parts of our early careers recruitment process.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may progress candidates before the closing date, so we recommend applying as early as possible.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.