2027 UK Degree Apprenticeship Programme: Civil Engineering

Before making an application, please browse all apprenticeship opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate.  Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application.  The exception is if we open new vacancies in Spring 2027.  

These opportunities are for those who have A-levels or equivalent and looking to undertake a degree apprenticeship (level 6).  We will close for applications on 15th January 2027.

Application process

• Application form
• Online strengths-based assessment

CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

These opportunities are for our offices in England and Wales.  For opportunities in Republic of Ireland and Scotland please refer to the 2027 Ireland Degree Apprenticeship Programme and 2027 Scottish Degree Apprenticeship Programme.

In your application form, you will be asked to select your preferred discipline, sector, and location, so please read the descriptions below, as this may help you decide which opportunity is right for you.

Eligibility

If you are successful and are offered an apprenticeship with us, we will inform you who the training provider or university will be for that particular opportunity.  These providers will have their own grade entry requirements, so we’re unable to  list them all here.  However, for our civil engineering opportunties, most providers will expect you to have achieved a Grade C as a minimum A-level in Mathematics and/or one of the sciences. So please list your achieved/expected qualifications and UCAS points in your application form so we can check your eligibility.  

Start your career with a global, employee-owned consultancy where your work can make a real difference. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and have the support, learning opportunities, and experience needed to grow your career from day one.

As a paid apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects that make a difference. Alongside your role, you’ll complete classroom-based learning - either in person or virtually - with a reputable college, university, or training provider.  Upon completion, you’ll earn a nationally recognised qualification that leads onto to exciting career opportunities.

Our degree apprenticeships typically last around five years, depending on the course, and are designed to help you grow both professionally and personally. You’ll be part of a team that’s shaping tomorrow’s world - whether that’s through innovation, sustainability, or community impact.

Job Description

As a civil engineering degree apprentice your role is more than designing infrastructure - it’s about creating resilient, sustainable solutions that improve lives and protect the planet. Whether you're working on water systems, transport networks, or environmental restoration, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Here are some of the opportunities for you to apply to – you will be asked to select your preferred opportunity in the application form:

Buildings

Civil Infrastructure | Cardiff, Newcastle

Work on the civil infrastructure that enables buildings and developments to function effectively. You could contribute to the design of drainage, utilities, roads, external works and site infrastructure, helping to create safe, sustainable and resilient places.

Energy

Transmission and Distribution | Brighton

Help deliver the infrastructure needed to transport electricity safely and reliably from where it is generated to where it is needed. Projects may include substations, overhead lines and underground cable systems, supporting the transition to a more resilient, low-carbon energy network.

Transport

Aviation | Croydon

Contribute to the planning, design and development of airport infrastructure. You could work on projects involving airfields, terminals and supporting infrastructure, helping airports improve capacity, efficiency, resilience and the passenger experience.

Highways | Birmingham, Cambridge, Colwyn Bay, London

Help plan and design highway infrastructure that keeps people and communities connected. You could contribute to new roads, junction improvements and upgrades to existing networks, with a focus on safety, sustainability, accessibility and resilience.

Rail | Manchester, Sheffield

Support the development and improvement of railway infrastructure, helping to create safer, more reliable and sustainable transport networks. You could contribute to multidisciplinary projects covering new and existing rail infrastructure, stations and wider network improvements.

Urban Transit Mobility | Altrincham, Birmingham, Croydon, Leeds

Help shape how people move around our towns and cities. You could contribute to projects involving public transport and urban mobility, including bus, tram and other mass-transit systems, creating more connected, accessible and sustainable communities.

Water

Flood Risk | Leeds

Help communities become more resilient to flooding and the impacts of climate change. You could work on flood risk assessments, drainage and flood alleviation projects, developing solutions that better protect people, property and the environment.

Geotechnics | Leeds

Explore how ground conditions influence the design and construction of water infrastructure. You could support ground investigations and geotechnical design for projects such as pipelines, reservoirs, treatment facilities and other critical water assets.

Treatment | Cambridge

Help develop the infrastructure that provides safe, reliable water and wastewater services. You could contribute to the design and improvement of treatment works and associated infrastructure, supporting water quality, environmental protection, efficiency and long-term resilience.

A Culture of Collaboration and Care

You’ll work alongside graduates, experienced professionals, and fellow apprentices in a supportive, inclusive environment where teamwork is celebrated, diversity is valued, and wellbeing is prioritised. We believe that everyone brings something unique to the table, and we’re committed to helping you thrive.

From day one, you’ll be encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and take ownership of your development. The more you engage, the more you’ll gain - and the more you’ll grow.

Your Growth, Your Journey

Every apprenticeship is different, tailored to the role and team you join. If you’re invited to interview, we’ll talk through the specifics of the opportunity and how it aligns with your interests and aspirations.

We’re here to support you every step of the way - with mentorship, learning resources, and a culture built on trust, integrity, and care. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change direction, this is your chance to build a meaningful career with impact.

Why It Matters

Our work doesn’t just benefit our organisation - it contributes to society. Through your apprenticeship, you’ll be part of something bigger: helping to solve real challenges, create sustainable solutions, and build a better future for all.

Candidate Specification

As well as the eligibility criteria detailed, above, we are looking for future apprentices with the following strengths: 

• Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
• Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.
• Delivers high quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

UK Immigration

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

About your development 

An apprenticeship should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our apprenticeship roles we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career.  From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs.  You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long-lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald. 

Our social side 

 
Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in.  

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other apprentices, graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community. 

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.   

Agile working  

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

Financial wellbeing

• Biannual salary reviews: We believe hard work should be recognised and rewarded. To support your development and progression, you'll be eligible for salary reviews twice a year during your first three years with us, subject to successfully completing your probation period
• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Employee Ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
• For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Lifestyle

• 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

 Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
• We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.