There has never been a greater need for talented and innovative planners, designers and environmental specialists to help our nation navigate the challenges and opportunities that are arising as a result of a pandemic, a housing shortage, a rapid decline in our biodiversity and a critical need to decarbonise our country by 2050.
We are seeking ambitious, collaborative, passionate and creative thinkers to join and grow with us. Our graduates will shape the future of our business, our industry and communities in which we live. In exchange, we will provide our graduates with unrivalled training, project experience, opportunities, and the support to excel.
Together we will create better places to live, work and enjoy.
Our Graduate scheme applications will open on Monday 29th November 2021 and close on Friday 7th January 2022.
For more information on each of our Graduate opportunities, check out the full role descriptions:
- Graduate Designer - Graduate Planner - Graduate Planner – Infrastructure, Environment & Sustainable Value - Graduate Planner – Development Economics & Sustainable Value
Apply now!
Linmere A healthy new community providing over 5,000 new homes, 130,000 sqm of employment floorspace, and 30,000 sqm of retail and leisure floorspace
Manchester Metropolitan University A new £35m School of Digital Arts, transforming the learning experience of students in one of the largest creative communities in the UK
Thames Enterprise Park 470,000 sqm employment park on the site of a former oil refinery, scope to serve as a centre for low to zero carbon energy and hydrogen production and potential Freeport
Our inter-disciplinary approach means you have the opportunity to build a career and interact with projects at every stage and scale. We are fortunate to act in the formulation and promotion of some of the most ground breaking and significant projects which will promote positive change in communities across the UK. Collaboration is key to everything we do and you, as exciting new talent entering the planning and design arena, will play a key role in ensuring we are bringing fresh, innovative ideas and approaches to our projects and that we are representative of the communities we serve."
Iain Painting Senior Partner
View our full graduate roadmap here.
There are various pathways we can offer to Graduates. Find out which part of our business would suit you best by understanding the different planning and design services we provide.
Once we have received and reviewed your application, the next stage is an invitation to one of our assessment days. This is a great opportunity for you to get to know us as well as the business area you will potentially be joining and for us to get to know you.
The day will provide plenty of opportunities to chat with our team and other prospective Graduates. After a brief introduction to the Practice, you will get involved in a fun team building challenge and will have your chance to shine individually in your presentation and interview. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and network with our people, including current graduates. We will then aim to be back in touch within three weeks.
Please click here to apply through our dedicated recruitment portal system.
Once the application window is closed (7th January 2022) you will hear back from us within three weeks.
When you apply we will ask for your location preferences. We will always try to honour these preferences where we can. If this is not possible, we will discuss alternative location options with you at offer stage.
Our 2022 Graduate cohort will start in the second week of September. There may be opportunities for earlier starts and there will be some flexibility if you are unable to start that week.
We are continually monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and will always ensure that our recruitment process is in line with UK government guidelines. The safety of our employees and applicants is our upmost priority.
When completing your application, my top tips would be to make sure you’re tailoring it to the discipline and role you are applying for. Ensure you research our business and take time to highlight your relevant skills. Also proofread – this may sound like simple advice but its an important one – first impressions count!
Throughout our assessment and recruitment process, the aim is to learn more about you, so be yourself! Answer questions honestly and not with what you think we want to hear. We want to know what personally excites you about our business and what projects you are really interested in."
Ruth Hoggett Recruitment Manager
I would recommend applying if you want to work hard, are ambitious, passionate and enthusiastic about investing in your development and career. We are always looking for talented and dynamic people who have a ‘can do’ attitude, good communication skills, commercially minded and who can work collaboratively across many teams. A sense of humour will always help too!
When you join, the transition from study to employment can be challenging and so I would advise speaking to lots of people, asking lots of questions and using your mentor, as well as those in your Graduate circle, team and your team leader, for support. Make the most of the many opportunities we provide, as this will help you to develop both personally and professionally. Trust us, your hard work and achievements will be valued and recognised here!"
Lea Field People Director
In addition to our Graduate Programme, we offer work experience placements across our 13 office locations for students alongside their studies either as part of a course, around university commitments or in the holidays. If you are interested in a work placement with us, please send your CV to the People Team and let us know which discipline you are interested in and why as well as your location preferences. We will hold your details for up to 12 months and will be in touch if a suitable work experience opportunity becomes available.
Through the opportunities presented and responsibilities entrusted in me, I have progressed over the past 3 years quickly from assisting senior team members as a graduate to managing large multi-disciplinary teams on exciting projects such as, regeneration of Europe’s largest oil refinery for commercial and renewable energy uses."
Jayne Oswald
As a graduate planner I have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of interesting and high profile projects whilst receiving ongoing support with daily tasks and the submission of my APC."
Jordan Clarke
I have worked on a number of projects ranging in complexity and scale, from assisting with the EIA for inner-city regeneration projects and new settlements to planning for renewable energy systems. Currently, I am coordinating a bid to secure Freeport status for a key client to the Practice."
Ben Kwok