Graduate Programme - Local Government and Liveable Places

Support local authorities and public sector clients in designing and improving bridges, roads, infrastructure and sustainable communities through engineering, research, planning and project delivery.

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, while building a career as unique as you.

We are looking for graduates to join our Local Government and Liveable Places teams in 2027. This is an opportunity to work in a leading professional services consultancy, supporting local authorities, public sector organisations and communities to deliver positive change.

A little bit more about your role and the team…

As a Graduate in our Local Government and Liveable Places teams, you will help shape sustainable, inclusive communities across the UK. Working with local authorities and public and private sector clients, you will contribute to projects spanning transport, regeneration, community infrastructure and climate resilience, helping to create places where people can live, work and connect.

You will work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with engineers, planners and transport specialists to develop innovative solutions. Through research, analysis, stakeholder engagement and project delivery, you will gain insight into policies, strategies and investment decisions shaping towns, cities and rural communities, while building your skills and taking on more responsibility as you develop.

As we work in partnership with local councils in our Local Government team – North Yorkshire Council, Leeds City Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Norfolk County Council, Exeter City Council, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Merthyr Tydfil Council and Bridgend Council - we are unable to offer flexibility on the above locations.

What we’re looking for

• You will have, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:2 in a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree.

• You will be looking to start work in September 2027.

• You will have an interest in local government, regeneration, sustainable development, placemaking, transport, infrastructure or creating thriving communities. 

• You will be curious about the challenges facing towns, cities and rural communities, and be motivated to develop solutions that deliver positive outcomes.

• You will enjoy working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, community groups and multidisciplinary project teams. 

• You will be comfortable analysing information, exploring new ideas and communicating your findings clearly. 

• You will take ownership of your work and development while helping to create value for our clients and the communities they serve. 

• You will be eager to learn, develop new skills and gain experience across a diverse range of projects that shape the future of places.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Should you have the right qualifications for our roles, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities we have available for our Graduate programme.

Our Graduate Development Programme

Our two-year Graduate Development Programme is designed to help you build the skills, experience and professional network needed to thrive at the start of your career with us. Through a blend of structured learning, mentoring and hands-on project experience, you will be supported every step of the way.

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.