2026 Higher Apprenticeship

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?  

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. 

A little more about your role…. 

As a paid, full-time, permanent employee, you will join a global community of talented engineers, scientists, and advisors. You will receive full training combined with real, on the job learning.  

You will work with dynamic teams on a variety of projects across multiple sectors from day one. You will ask questions, look at problems from a different angle and help find solutions that break concepts.  

As an apprentice you will aid shape the communities of tomorrow, embrace change and achieve excellence.  

We have Apprenticeship opportunities in; 

Civil Engineering: Study the principles of designing, constructing, and maintaining roads, bridges, sports stadiums, high rises, airports and other infrastructure.  

Building Services Engineering: Learn the systems and equipment that ensure a building’s comfort, safety, and functionality, including Mechanical, Electrical and Hydraulics services. 

Construction & Design Build: Learn how to produce 2D and digital technical models for structures using BIM tools and processes to create and share design data.

Arboriculture and Forestry: Join WSP's Arboriculture team to survey and integrate trees into projects, ensuring sustainability and environmental conservation.  

Protective Security Advisor:  Learn the role of a security consultant within the built environment. Deliver impartial, trusted advice, dedicated to client safety and positive community impact.

Digital and Data Analyst: Helping organisations use their technology and data in smarter, more joined‑up ways so teams can make better decisions and plan ahead with confidence.  The team turn complex information into clear insights, using analytics and modelling to understand what’s happening now and what might come next, through data storytelling and analysis skills.  You will learn how to make work smoother by digitising services, automating routine tasks, and building helpful tools with platforms like Microsoft Power Platform.  Setting up the right software to support environmental, health and safety goals.  

Business Transformation: The Transformation Team helps organisations become stronger, smarter, improving how they work and how their teams are organised.  The team untangles complex challenges, redesigns ways of working and builds the capabilities people need to deliver real, lasting change. You will work with many types of organisations involved in infrastructure projects like roads, rail and public buildings, supporting them with things like: Making sustainability part of everyday work, helping teams work more efficiently and save money, planning and coordinating large, complicated projects so everything stays on track. In short, you will help organisations solve problems, do things differently, and get ready for the future.  

The Apprenticeship  

You will start your Higher Apprenticeship in September 2026, attending either a local College or University for either one day per week or block placement, and working towards achieving a full Level 4 Higher apprenticeship in your chosen subject. You will also have the opportunity to become registered with a relevant professional institution.

The apprenticeship supports career growth through blended learning. It offers business and role-specific training, networking, mentoring, and practical experience. It includes an induction, training days, online content, on-the-job learning, and on-demand resources.  

Together with the dedicated Early Careers team, support from your team and assigned buddy, we will work closely with you over the course of your apprenticeship to support and plan a development pathway that suits you.   

Typically, the Higher Apprenticeship takes between 2-3 years to complete (including End Point Assessment in England). 

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

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• 5 GCSE’s Grade C/Level 5 or above (or equivalent) including English, Maths and Science. 
• Achieved or predicted a BTEC Extended Diploma (Level 3) Advanced Apprenticeship. 
• OR achieved or predicted 2 A Levels in a relevant subject. 
• To study Arboriculture and Forestry in addition to 5 GCSE’s Grade C/Level 5 or above (or equivalent) including English, Maths and Science, you will also need a suitable Level 3 qualification in a suitable related subject or experience within the industry. 

How long does the process take?  

Apply Online: You don't need to submit a CV; just complete a short online application form. You will receive a confirmation email within 5 days of submission.   

Online Skills Enablers Assessment: If you meet the entry requirements and we have an Apprenticeship that matches your preferences, you will receive an online skills enablers assessment from our partner Artic Shores. To learn more about the assessment please visit Support For Candidates | Arctic Shores. 

Interview Day/Interview: After passing the online assessment, if we have suitable apprenticeship, you may be shortlisted for an interview day or interview. Please note that not everyone who passes the online assessment will proceed to the interview stage.  

While we aim to keep you informed, we cannot respond to individual status update requests due to high application volume.  

Please note that we reserve the right to close vacancies ahead of the advertised deadline, so we recommend applying as soon as you’re ready. 

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.  

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.  

With us, you can. Apply today.