UKIMEA graduate programme
Shape a future with purpose
At Arup, every day we shape a better world. We are dedicated to sustainable development and to do socially useful work that has meaning.
Here you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Owned in trust by our members, our structure allows us freedom to set our own direction and opportunities – independently. We choose work that aligns with our values, working with clients on solving the world’s most complex problems and delivering what seems impossible.
We’re a growing organisation with many opportunities to shape a better world, and your career. If you can bring curiosity, and creativity to deliver remarkable outcomes for the built environment - we’ll provide you with the support, flexibility and opportunities you need for a challenging, fulfilling career.
Proud to regularly feature as one of the top UK employers of Graduates, we are committed to providing a solid foundation to your development and care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
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
Join our graduate scheme
Each year we recruit over 300 Graduate members 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 training, support and freedom that you need to thrive.
Our Graduates typically join us in September each year, and ahead of joining, all members have the opportunity to learn more about our firm, our projects and priorities. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.
You will meet some of your fellow members 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 which will include 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.
Starting a career with purpose at Arup
A graduate role with Arup offers you many possibilities to shape a better world. From your first day, you’ll join an extraordinary collective of experts in a supportive culture where we encourage individuality to thrive. Together we can shape a future with purpose.
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?
Our graduate roles open for new applications each September. If there isn't an appropiate role we recommend signing up to our job alerts to be notifed as soon as a position becomes available.
What does the application process involve?
Our application process consists of the following stages:
- Online application form
- Psychometric and ability assessment
- Shortlisting
- A single online assessment centre inclusive of a case study exercise and a competency based interview.
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. Please check that you meet the minimum entry requirements and the eligibility critera as stated on the job advert.
What is the structure of the Graduate Assessment Session?
You’ll virtually meet the hiring team and recent graduates on our virtual assessment platform, take part in an individual written/technical exercise, case study presentation and a competency-based interview. You will also meet with a member of the Early Careers Team to discuss learning, development, rewards and benefits. Assessment centres may vary depending on the role, but you’ll be given more information in your invite. We aim to let you know the outcome of the assesssment centre within 2 weeks.
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, Birmingham, Whitehaven, Winchester and York.