Derbyshire County Council
Graduate (Highways)
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Graduate (Highways)
Highways Graduate Development Programme
Closing date: 02 August 2026
Start Your Career with Derbyshire Highways
We are looking to recruit motivated and enthusiastic graduates to join our Highways Graduate Development Programme, starting in September 2026.
This programme provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of highways functions, while developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required to build a long-term career in the sector.
You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, supporting the delivery of projects and services that keep Derbyshire’s communities connected, safe and thriving.
Why Join Derbyshire Highways?
Our Highways Service operates within a complex and high-profile environment, delivering:
- Significant capital investment and infrastructure programmes
- Essential maintenance and improvement works across the highway network
- Services that directly impact communities, economic growth and sustainability
- Increasingly sophisticated commissioning and delivery models
This graduate programme forms part of our commitment to developing future professional capability, ensuring we build a skilled, sustainable workforce aligned to long-term service demand.
What You’ll Be Doing
As part of the programme, you will gain experience across a range of highways functions, which may include:
- Supporting the design, planning, and delivery of highway schemes
- Contributing to project management and programme delivery activities
- Assisting with asset management, inspections and data analysis
- Supporting commercial, financial and procurement processes
- Engaging with stakeholders, partners and contractors
- Contributing to service improvement and innovation initiatives
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You will gain exposure to both office-based and site-based environments, developing a well-rounded understanding of how highways services are delivered.
You will be expected to be on-site or in the office up to 5 days per week.
Your Learning & Development
This is a structured 2-year development programme designed to support your progression into a professional role within Highways.
You will benefit from:
- Rotational placements or varied experience across key service areas
- Support from experienced managers and mentors
- Opportunities to build technical, analytical, and professional skills
- Structured development aligned to career pathways within Highways
- Exposure to real-world projects and decision-making
You will be expected to take an active role in your development, applying learning in practice and demonstrating progression throughout the programme.
About You
We are looking for graduates who are keen to make a difference and develop a career in public sector infrastructure.
Essential Requirements:
- A degree (or expected to achieve) in a relevant subject such as: Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, Construction, Architecture, or other related disciplines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Willingness to learn and develop in a professional environment
- Full UK driving licence (due to site-based working requirements)
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Desirable:
- Interest in highways, infrastructure, or the built environment
- Understanding of engineering, construction, or asset management principles
- Experience of working in a structured or project-based environment
What We Offer You
This role is based at County Hall, Matlock, with regular travel to sites across Derbyshire.
Depending on placement, you may be required to work on-site or in an office environment, with flexibility aligned to service needs.
We offer:
- A structured graduate development programme
- Hands-on experience across a range of highways functions
- Support from experienced professionals and mentors
- Opportunities to progress into permanent roles within the service
- A chance to contribute to projects that make a real difference to local communities
Working for Derbyshire County Council
At Derbyshire County Council, we are committed to:
- Equality, fairness and opportunity
- Supporting your wellbeing and development
- Delivering services that provide value for money for our communities
- Reducing our environmental impact and supporting climate resilience
Apply Now!
If you’re looking to start your career in Highways and want to play a role in shaping the future of Derbyshire’s infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.
Provisional Interview Date: Week commencing 9th August 2026
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