Shape the infrastructure that keeps Britain moving safely every day. From track and structures to the ground beneath the railway, civil engineering at Network Rail means looking after infrastructure on a national scale - making decisions that help keep passengers, colleagues and communities safe for generations to come.
Our 2-year Civil Engineering Graduate Scheme will give you the tools and experience to kickstart your engineering career at Network Rail. Through structured placements, practical experience and professional development opportunities, you'll build your knowledge across your chosen engineering discipline while developing an understanding of how your decisions impact passengers, freight users and the future of the railway. You'll also play a role in the sustainable management of railway infrastructure as the network adapts to a changing climate.
What you’ll be doing
Take the opportunity to develop your technical knowledge while gaining exposure to a range of civil engineering disciplines across the railway.
You'll contribute to the delivery of major investment projects while building the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful engineering career. During your placements, you could be:
- Assessing, maintaining, designing and renewing railway assets
- Supporting the delivery of major investment and infrastructure projects
- Gaining experience across disciplines such as Track, Structures and Geotechnics
Your scheme will begin with a period of business familiarisation, giving you insight into the wider railway system before moving into longer placements within your chosen discipline.
Who you are matters
You'll need a minimum of a 2:2 in an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) accredited degree, and the flexibility to travel to attend training opportunities at various locations.
We look for curious people who enjoy solving problems, want to understand how infrastructure works and are keen to make a real impact through engineering. You should be resourceful, hardworking, good at managing your time and motivating yourself. Other qualities we're looking for include:
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to build relationships with people at all levels
- Good time management and organisation skills
- A proactive and motivated approach to learning
What you’ll get out of it
Over 2-years, you'll complete a range of development programmes designed to build both your technical and professional capabilities. We'll support you in registering with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and cover the associated costs, with all placements and training opportunities structured to support your journey towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Alongside building your technical expertise, you'll develop the communication, leadership and professional skills needed to thrive in a modern engineering environment. You'll gain valuable industry experience, work with experienced engineers and have opportunities to build your network across the railway. When the scheme ends, your development won't. Throughout the scheme and beyond, your Supervising Civil Engineer will provide ongoing support and guidance as you continue your professional development and pursue the next steps in your engineering career.
Salary: £32,000 (plus a £2,000 welcome bonus)
Locations: Sheffield, York, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Birmingham, Manchester, Motherwell, Glasgow, Inverness, Cardiff, Bristol, Swindon, London
Start date: September 2027
Programme duration: 2-years
Minimum degree requirements: 2:2 in an (ICE) Accredited Degree