UKIMEA graduate programme
Infinite possibilities
At Arup our people are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to transform the world’s infrastructure and built environment. We strive to make a positive difference in the world, and we’re looking for talented Graduates to join us.
We’re a unique and independent organisation. We’re owned by our employees, so we can make sound decisions for the future, choose clients that share our aims, and deliver solutions that are high in quality and value.
We are proud to regularly feature as one of the top UK employers of Graduates. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing a solid foundation to your development.
If you can bring a head full of ideas, excellent technical knowhow and a drive to reinvent the built environment through innovative thinking, we’ll provide you with the support and opportunities you need for a challenging, fulfilling career.
350+ Graduates recruited annually across the region
50+ Disciplines recruited for annually
Winner Most Popular Graduate Recruiter in Construction, Civil Engineering and Surveying - TargetJobs Awards 2022
Our graduate scheme
Each year we recruit around 350 Graduates across our UK offices, which span 16 locations. We have a strong network of friendly, experienced professionals who look forward to helping you settle into your role. From the moment you start, you’ll be contributing to client projects that could span the globe, and we’ll give you the skills that you need to thrive.
Our Graduates usually join us in September each year, and ahead of joining you'll have the opportunity to learn more about our firm, what we are working on and more about our priorities, and to understand how you can make a difference to our clients. You will meet some of your fellow Graduates from across the UK, connect with your team and colleagues, and begin creating your Arup network.
With a programme designed to settle you into Arup you will have a structured agenda for your first week where you will cover off the essentials of starting a new role including meeting your team, meeting leadership and understanding what learning means at Arup.
Meet our graduates
Arup has an amazing reputation in the industry when it comes to sustainable and futuristic projects as well as company values.
The opportunity to learn from a large team of over 200 fire safety engineers, with a range of skills, was highly attractive.
Whilst searching for graduate opportunities, Arup’s diverse portfolio of iconic buildings across a variety of different sectors, commitment to sustainability and collaborative approach to design presented an opportunity I had to pursue.
Taking your career forward with Arup
Our aim to provide fulfilling and rewarding careers demonstrates our commitment to our people. From your first day, you’ll join an unrivalled community of experts in a supportive culture where everyone’s happy to help and genuinely wants to see you succeed.
Start your application
We understand that applying for jobs can be a difficult, and at times daunting process. We’ve kept our process simple and straight-forward so that you can perform at your best, and our friendly Early Careers Team are always on hand to answer questions.
We open for applications in September, and each vacancy has a clear closing date which you’ll find published on the job description. You can also sign up for email job alerts so that you’re automatically notified when a new position is advertised.
To support you through this process we organise regular live chats with our Early Careers Team and recent Apprentices. To find out the next scheduled chat or to receive application advice, please email us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in applying to an Arup Graduate position. When do applications open?
Applications for our Gradute positions open late September. You can register your interest by signing up to our job alerts. We'll then reach out to you with more information about our vacancies once they have been opened.
What does the application process involve?
Our application process consists of the following stages:
- Online application form
- A psychometric assessment
- Shortlisting
- A single online assessment centre inclusive of an individual/technical exercise and a competency based interview. These sessions are scheduled to take place from December.
When is your deadline for applications?
You’ll find deadlines for specific roles included in the job description and within the advertisement on our website. We process applications as soon as we receive them and so we strongly advise candidates to submit early applications.
How many application forms can I submit?
You can only complete one application during each recruitment period, so please only apply for the position that suits you best. Additional applications will be regretted.
What is the structure of the Graduate Assessment Session?
When will I be expected to start work?
Most of our graduates start work in September, before completing our Welcome Event in autumn. You can find out more about this on our Talent and Development page.
In some cases another start date through the year is possible, but we will consider this on a case by case basis, depending on current projects and management requirements.
What do I do if I have a disability or learning difference which may affect my performance during the selection process?
Arup is committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities. We strongly encourage you to share any adjustments that will support your participation in our recruitment process.
You’ll get the chance to tell us about any disability or learning difference on your application form and before coming to the assessment. We’ll then make the appropriate arrangements for you. The information gathered during this process is only used to make reasonable adjustments and is not considered in any other context of your application.
Do you employ Graduates requiring a Certificate of Sponsorship (work permit)?
For some opportunities, we are able to offer a Skilled Visa. The success of our application is determined by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), and therefore such offers of employment are conditional upon receiving the relevant right to work unrestricted in the UK.
For remaining opportunities, we welcome applications from individuals that are eligible to apply for / currently hold a Graduate Visa. As appropriate, any offer we make will be conditional upon your Graduate Visa application being approved.
Please consult the job description for the opportunity that you want to apply for. This will provide clarity on which sponsorship option (if any) is available for that opportunity.
What can I expect to do in my first few years?
Every graduate’s experience at Arup is different, but you can expect plenty of challenges, lots of responsibility, exposure to clients, access to learning and development opportunities such as secondments, site-visits and expert-led courses.
What support do you give towards chartership or accreditation?
We work closely with several professional bodies. We have had accredited training schemes in place with them for a while now and continue to invest in the schemes. Everyone interested in getting chartered will have a dedicated mentor to guide them through their journey and overall support to ensure they achieve their potential.
What vacancies are available at which locations?
As we work in multidisciplinary offices, there are various roles available in each of our 16 UK locations. These locations are; Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Solihull, Whitehaven, Winchester and York.
How has Covid-19 effected working at Arup and recruitment?
Our offices are open and we have adopted a more flexible hybrid model known as Work Unbound that will gives our members flexibility in deciding how and where they work. Many of our events taking place during Autumn / Winter 2022 will take place virtually. We encourage you to review our events page regularly for updates. Recruitment will continue to be organised in an online format to ensure the safety of all.
For further information on how we are responding to Covid-19 please click here.