Graduate Training Scheme

Our Graduate Training Scheme has produced a long line of candidates who have successfully become Chartered Civil Engineers and Chartered Transport Planning Professionals. Our scheme is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), we are a Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Public Sector Partner and a Transport Planning Society (TPS) Stakeholder Member.

We are in a unique position to offer fantastic opportunities and experience across a wide range of personal and technical competencies. Working alongside our transport partners, our graduates work on nationally recognised projects across the country, helping to deliver our vision and priorities as set out in the National Transport Strategy.

Read more about us and our eight directorates.

About the scheme

Our Graduate Training Scheme for Civil Engineering and Transport Planning lasts approximately four to five years.

As a graduate, you undertake a bespoke programme of rotations through our departments and you can help to choose these rotations to build the right set of skills and expertise for you. Your programme of rotations, along with external secondments to design consultancies and construction sites, allows you to experience different aspects of the industry – as a contractor, client and designer. This will develop your knowledge and skills, helping you attain Chartered status while also preparing you to work as a senior professional within the industry.

You will have a bespoke development plan, designed to provide you with targeted development from the moment you start. Your own personal delegated engineer or mentor will provide you with support and help guide you to your professional qualification. You will also join our strong graduate network, who meet regularly for learning opportunities, to share experiences and for peer support.

About you

To apply, you must hold or be studying towards a qualification accredited by the appropriate professional body. Please check you hold the appropriate recognised qualification, depending on whether you are aiming for CEng qualification or CTPP qualification.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, who have the potential and aspiration to shape the future of transport in Scotland.

We want to invest in your potential. We will make sure you have access to training and support to equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience you need to succeed. In return, we look for dedication and commitment from you and the determination to reach professional qualification and contribute to the future of our organisation.

Working for us

When you join, you also become a civil servant. The Civil Service delivers public services and supports the government to develop and implement policies. Together, civil servants help to ensure the effective running of government and provide the best possible services to the public.

As a graduate with us, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

• a competitive starting salary
• a permanent contract, subject to a satisfactory probation period
• a meaningful role where you have the opportunity to make a real difference
• a diverse and inclusive workplace
• flexible working arrangements
• a generous annual leave package
• first class career development opportunities
• six days paid volunteering leave each year

Read more about the benefits you can enjoy while working with us.

How to apply

We use a competency based approach to recruitment. This means that at all stages of the recruitment process you will be assessed against the competencies we consider necessary to do the job. This approach starts from the application so it is important to complete your application as fully, but concisely, as possible to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the post.

If we think you are well suited to the role, you will be invited for further assessment which includes a formal interview and assessment centre, comprising a group exercise and a written assignment.

Read about how we recruit and the skills for success framework to find out more.