Rail Graduate 2022

About the Role

As one of the leading, global design and consultancy services in rail, WSP offers exciting careers in this vital business sector.  With our ‘future ready’ ethos, we provide for our clients the foresight necessary to address the world’s changing climate, and importantly, caring about our future generations as well as today’s immediate needs.

Within Rail Systems we are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our expanding Rail Engineering Services Team within a number of our sub-disciplines that will support our diverse portfolio of rail engineering projects across the UK. Rail Systems is very broad term that covers a number of disciplines, and collectively they form the backbone of the railway in terms of how trains run and operate.  These disciplines include track, signalling, telecoms, traction power, overhead electrification, fixed plant and BIM.

To provide more guidance on what these disciplines comprise, please see more details below:

Track

Our track experts pride themselves in their understanding of the fundamental principles that apply to all types of railways, from high-speed rail to street-running tramways.  Equally, we appreciate the nuances between the many varied systems and our extensive experience equips us with the ability to create the viable and sustainable railways necessary to support the world’s global economy and community for decades to come.

Signalling

Signalling underpins how trains are controlled on the rail network and are a key and complex part of the rail system.  Furthermore with the future digitalisation of the British rail network, there are extensive opportunities to learn about and be part of this market trend.   We are growing as both a team and organisation with many exciting opportunities to work on projects including the deployment of ETCS (European Train Control Systems) into the UK Mainline railways.

Telecoms

Telecoms is a unique discipline within the Rail industry. We interact with all other disciplines and have to be aware of their impact on the telecommunication infrastructure. With the future digitalisation of the British rail network Telecoms is going to become more important than ever.

Electrification and Power (covers OLE, Fixed Plant, Traction Power)

At WSP our Rail Electrification and Plant (E&P) Discipline covers a broad and extensive portfolio, including Overhead Line Equipment (OLE), High Voltage Traction Power Supply Systems, Conductor Rail Systems and LV and Signalling Power Supply Systems for all types of railways, from high-speed rail to street-running tramways.

A typical week would include

As a Graduate working in one of our rail teams you will find yourself challenged in more fascinating and far-reaching ways than ever before. You’ll explore new and inspiring opportunities to make the most of your expertise, broaden your professional horizons and create exciting new possibilities for people, organisations and society in general.

You will be given the opportunity to work on a range of our rail disciplines enhancing your knowledge and experience of Electrical and / or Mechanical principles with varied work including design, modelling and engagement with clients and other rail disciplines.

At WSP, our team of rail telecoms engineers work on complex projects covering the entirety of the United Kingdom. We work in both Lineside and Station environments utilizing telephony, Information Displays, CCTV cameras amongst other solutions. As a Graduate Engineer within the telecoms team you will be a key part of the delivery process tasked to work on one of our many rail projects. You could be asked to attend a site survey, assist with the production of a multidisciplinary design or assist with the production of a bid for future works. Every day is an opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge.

Our team of signalling engineers work on complex projects covering projects across the United Kingdom. We predominately work on early project development including the definition of signalling schemes and its requirements, designing the layout of signalling plans with associated signalling principles and the integration of the signalling designs into the wider multi-disciplinary project design environment. As a Graduate Engineer within the Signalling team you will be a key part of the delivery process tasked with working on a number of our rail projects in support of and under the guidance of our senior team members.  Your work will initially focus on developing your underlying signalling principles knowledge in order to support signalling plan design.

Working in Track you will get involved in all areas of the above ranging from the production of track designs, engagement with clients and other disciplines as well as site work.

Within the BIM Team, you will be tasked with solution-based delivery which includes working through / overcoming software challenges presented to us by the Client.  As part of our team you will explore BIM Software Solutions, and the efficiencies gained from its use, and implement into wider project delivery.  You will also be involved in helping produce engineering drawing design models and drawings in support of our Rail Engineering Teams from a BIM perspective.

Beyond that, anything could happen! You could get involved in report writing, modelling or design calculations in 3D software packages. Your day could also involve visiting site and liaising with contractors, discussing options for concept designs with colleagues, responding to client requests for information or meetings with the team about the scope and progress of projects.

What youll need

You’ll be graduating in 2022 or have recently graduated with at least a 2:1 in a relevant Degree or Master’s in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Visual Computing & Robotics

You'll be looking to start work in Autumn 2022

• You’ll ideally have less than two years relevant experience
• You’ll be passionate with the curiosity and creativity to solve problems
• You’ll want to stretch and inspire us, speaking up about any new ideas you have
• You’ll want to throw yourself in from day one and put your studies into practice
• You’ll have excellent communication skills
• You’ll enjoy working in a team environment, sharing ideas and collaborating with colleagues
• You’ll have confidence to work under pressure with the ability to prioritise and plan effectively

Please note behavioural assessment results (also referred to as game based assessment) at WSP are valid for a period of 12 months, if you have completed an assessment within this timeframe and been unsuccessful we will not be able to consider your application.

Early applications are recommended and we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date.

What if we can

We care about individuals and their progress and offer the most fulfilling career development for our professionals. Professional accreditation is an important milestone to reach. After years of study in your field and hard work on the job, you’ll want the recognition that you are at the top of your game.  Our two-year graduate development programme will support you to achieve your goals.

We have established relationships with professional institutions including ICE, IStructE, IET, CIBSE, CIHT, CILT, IMechE, IChemE, IED,TPS, CIWEM, GSL, RGD, RICS, RTPI, SocEnv, or APM and we’ll provide a technical mentor to help you on your journey, and reward you for your efforts as well (when you reach certain professional milestones you’ll even get a bonus as a thank you and well done for your hard work). We are also able to support professional development with many other approved professional institutions.

The programme is a blended learning experience and includes cohort events, core behavioural training modules, professional registration mentoring and on-the-job experience. The structured training programme includes but is not limited to training in;

Project Management

Team specific technical skills

Client and Customer Care

Collaborative working with your clients and team

Commercial Concepts

Developing your Personal Brand

Career Development…and lots more!

We have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognise the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Our employee networks, including VIBE (LGBT + employee network), help ensure we continue to promote the right environment to enable all employees to reach their full potential, and to ensure we continue to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, providing there is a relevant opportunity on our 2022 Graduate Development Programme that matches the discipline and location preferences provided at application.

We also offer our Professional Growth Network (PGN) which is a networking group run by early career professionals for early career professionals. It helps to grow your network of contacts across the UK business as well as providing you with opportunities for extra experience to support you in achieving chartered status or other professional accreditations.

Benefits

As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including  25 days annual leave, pension schemes, life assurance, personal accident cover and paid professional subscriptions, and some not so standard benefits as part of our flexible benefits scheme – so if you would like to hop on a new bike (cycle to work scheme) or thrill the family with your Lego building skills (Discount at Legoland Windsor) – WSP can help!

How long does the process take?

You'll receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application within 48 hours of submission. We work hard to match you to the most suitable roles in our business and the recruitment process can vary depending on the role and team you are matched to. If your application is received as we are closing you most applications are progressed to Interview within 2-3 weeks. We will aim to keep you informed throughout the time that your application is being considered however, due to the volume of applications received, we are not able to respond to individual requests for status updates