Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme
Programme title: Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Bristol or Warrington
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74580
What will you do on the programme?
Civil and structural engineering is about shaping the world around us – designing, building and maintaining the infrastructure that society depends on every day. It’s about making sure structures are strong, stable and safe. Working within our Cavendish Nuclear business, you’ll put these principles into practice on projects that truly matter.
As a graduate, you’ll contribute to high-profile infrastructure and defence projects across naval and nuclear operations. You could help build the next generation of nuclear power stations, modernise dockyards to support a modern naval fleet, or maintain critical facilities that keep the UK’s defence and energy sectors running smoothly. You’ll be involved in designing, constructing and maintaining complex infrastructure, ensuring buildings and structures are robust, resilient and fit for purpose.
You’ll be part of a team delivering smarter, safer infrastructure that makes a real difference to the UK’s defence and energy future.
How is the programme structured?
This is an exciting two-year programme made up of a series of placements designed to give you broad experience across civil and structural engineering.
You’ll rotate through different teams and projects, developing your knowledge of structural assessments, design documentation, compliance processes and operational site support. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.
Each placement gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned, take on real responsibilities and discover the areas of the discipline that interest you most.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, 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 support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer full guidance and cover all associated fees.
What’s waiting for you after the programme?
Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Engineering Function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you've developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.
As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we've introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.
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
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible 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 to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng or MEng in one of the following subjects: Civil and Coastal Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, or Civil Engineering. We also accept BEng or MEng degrees with a Civil or Structural focus, as well as degrees in Materials Science and Metallurgy.
- Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme for September 2027 are available within our Cavendish Nuclear business. You’ll be based in Bristol or Warrington, with opportunities to spend time at other locations depending on the needs of your placements.
Once you’ve successfully completed the programme, you’ll continue your career in the same location, so it’s important to consider this when applying.
We offer agile working, providing some flexibility; however, you can expect to spend several days each week on-site to support your role and development.
Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK – and beyond. You could be working on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites, supporting the construction and operation of cutting-edge nuclear power plants, or helping sustain our national defence through work on the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Whether you're based in Bristol or Warrington, you'll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments.
Application process and important information
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
