Ground Engineering Apprentice

A Ground Engineering Degree Apprenticeship supporting geotechnical investigations, geological data analysis, foundation design, slope stability and civil engineering projects while studying towards a Level 6 qualification.

Job Description

Our Ground Engineering team in the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I) comprises 150 professionals who provide a comprehensive range of services, including project management, feasibility studies, ground investigation design and interpretation, detailed design, contract administration, and construction supervision.

We work on ground engineering projects across the UK&I and internationally, supporting both internal and external clients. Our primary focus areas include energy, water, nuclear (decommissioning and new build), power, road and rail, aviation, ports and harbours, as well as commercial and industrial developments, and landslip investigation and remediation.

We work for leading UK and International clients, including National Grid, BP, Sellafield, Associated British Ports, Transport Scotland, National Highways, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Network Rail, and local authorities, as well as for prominent contractors and developers.

Our impressive portfolio features a range of regional and national projects, such as the Great Grid Upgrade, STEP Fusion, pumped storage hydro projects in the Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia VIP, A83 Rest and be Thankful, M54-M6 Link Road, water schemes for various water utilities clients (UK&I) and HMNB Devonport redevelopment. Additionally, we are involved in overseas projects such as Eastlink in Sweden.

As a Ground Engineering Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists whilst studying towards a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in either Civil Engineering or Geoscience. You will gain practical experience across a variety of ground engineering projects, developing the technical knowledge necessary to build a successful career within the industry.

As an apprentice, you will:

• Assist with desk studies and site investigations.

• Support the planning, procurement and supervision of ground investigations.

• Help analyse geological and geotechnical data.

• Contribute to the development of ground models and interpretative reports.

• Assist with assessments of foundations, earthworks, slope stability, and retaining structures.

• Use industry-leading digital tools such as OpenGround and Leapfrog.

• Participate in site visits and fieldwork activities across the UK.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams.

• Develop your technical and professional skills through a structured apprenticeship programme.

Qualifications

This role is ideal for students and school leavers looking to pursue a career in Ground Engineering through a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above, including Mathematics and English.

• Three A-Levels (or equivalent such as BTEC Level 3 in Civil Engineering), including Maths and a physical science at grade C or above – required for Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

• A genuine interest in geology, geotechnics, civil engineering and the built environment.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• Enthusiasm for learning and professional development.

• Ability to work effectively within a team.

Additional Information

• Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected on a rolling recruitment basis for either immediate or advanced offer starts.

• Please include a covering letter with your application, detailing all predicted and/or obtained academic grades, the dates you are able to work (to/from), and the locations you are interested in.

• We support and encourage office attendance across all grades to foster a collaborative working culture and facilitate on-the-job learning for early career staff.

• You must have the right to work in the UK.

Professional Development

Our 2-year Graduate Development Programme (GDP), combined with our extensive portfolio of projects worldwide, will challenge and inspire you to make a real difference to the world we live in. The GDP is a core component of our business strategy, designed to cultivate top talent across various disciplines to lead our business into the future. 

We currently have over 750 graduates in our programme across the UK&I, representing more than 40 different disciplines, each making a tangible impact on the environment we all share.

In addition to the GDP, we enrol all our Ground Engineering Graduates in GEO Grounding, our in-house technical training academy, which focuses on a series of modules including Desk Study, Geological Interpretation and Geomorphology, Ground Investigation (Design and Site Supervision), Ground Model Development, Parametric Assessment and Geotechnical Design. GEO Grounding comprises module attendance followed by trainer-student discussion workshops to enhance learning.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges.

Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities.