Balfour Beatty plc
Graduate Apprentice Civil Engineer

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About The Role
We are Balfour Beatty. You may not know us by name, but you'll recognise what we do. We're a leading international infrastructure group, building, maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports communities for generations to come.
As a Graduate Apprentice Civil Engineer you'll join our 2027 Early Careers programme and gain hands-on experience while contributing to some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. From day one, you'll be mentored by experienced colleagues, develop technical and professional skills, and gain real-world experience that complements your studies. You'll also be part of a supportive early careers community, building the knowledge, skills and industry-recognised qualifications needed to build a successful career.
In this role, you'll join one of our UKCS - Regional Scotland teams based in the North West of Scotland, contributing to the site-based Civils works for substation builds.
What you'll be doing
As an Graduate Apprentice Civil Engineer, you'll play a key role in the delivery of major infrastructure projects, helping to create and maintain the structures and systems that communities rely on every day. Working across both site and office environments, you'll gain practical experience while developing a strong understanding of engineering principles, design processes, project delivery, and asset management.
Working alongside experienced engineers and project teams, you'll contribute to activities throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and design through to construction and handover. As part of your apprenticeship, you'll combine academic study with practical experience, developing the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed for a career in civil engineering.
You'll Learn How To
- Support day-to-day site and office activities while gaining an understanding of how civil engineering projects are delivered.
- Assist with reviewing drawings and basic design information to build your knowledge of engineering standards and practices.
- Help carry out health and safety checks, including taking part in site inspections and learning how risks are identified and managed.
- Read and understand engineering drawings, plans, and specifications.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Alongside your role, you'll attend university on day release and work towards a Graduate Apprenticeship in BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering.
Who we're looking for
We value your potential over experience. If you are self-motivated, proactive, and eager to start a career in our industry, this role could be for you.
For a Graduate Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering, you will need:
- A minimum of four SQA Highers at BBBC, including Maths (Higher Application of Maths not accepted).
We’d also love to receive your application if you:
- Are keen to learn and develop new skills.
- Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.
- Work well with others and contribute positively to a team.
- Communicate clearly and effectively.
- Show initiative, adapt to challenges and take pride in achieving results.
Why work for us as an Apprentice
- Earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience while working towards fully funded, industry-recognised qualifications.
- Work on impactful projects that help shape communities, while building your career with one of the UK's leading infrastructure groups.
- Learn from experienced professionals who will support your development through mentoring, coaching and on-the-job learning.
- Take part in unique development opportunities, including residential programmes in the Lake District and personal development experiences delivered by our external partners.
- Build the foundations for a long-term career, with support towards professional membership and chartership or professional registration where relevant to your role.
What We Can Offer You
- Competitive salary and flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to shape a rewards package that works for you.
- 25 days’ holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
- A permanent contract from day one, reflecting our commitment to your long-term career.
- Clear progression opportunities, with bi-annual performance and pay reviews throughout your programme.
- Opportunities to come together with peers, including welcome events and to celebrate your journey at the end-of-programme Early Careers Showcase.


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About Us
The Regional Scotland business delivers the buildings and infrastructure that communities across Scotland rely on every day. It plays an important role in supporting economic growth, improving public services and creating lasting social value.
At Balfour Beatty, we have been delivering complex and critical infrastructure across Scotland for more than a century, from healthcare and education facilities to transport and civil engineering projects.
Our award-winning sustainable projects, including active travel, Passivhaus and retrofit schemes, demonstrate our commitment to supporting Scotland's transition towards a more sustainable future.
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion
To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
We're committed to making our recruitment process as inclusive as possible. If you need any adjustments, please let us know at any stage of the process.
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