Overview

Join to apply for the

2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy and Infrastructure Planning

role at

WSP in the UK and Ireland .We’re seeking graduates who are eager to learn, flexible, and ready to make a difference. You’ll thrive in our collaborative, supportive environment, where your creativity and passion for the built environment can flourish. Whether your interest is in working with communities, driving sustainable development, or supporting innovative infrastructure, your talents will find a home with us. Imagine being at the heart of projects that shape how we live, move, work and play. Join our 2026 Graduate Programme in Planning Consultancy and Infrastructure Planning and launch your career with one of the UK’s leading professional advisory consultancies.We are recruiting for Graduates in the following services and locations: Planning Consultancy (Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Leeds) and Infrastructure Planning (Nationwide including Exeter).What you will do

Graduates in Planning Consultancy work on large transformational projects across the UK, collaborating with communities to deliver sustainable development. You’ll guide clients through the planning process, from initial site appraisals to securing consents and supporting construction. Our work spans sectors including residential, education, healthcare, logistics, industrial, retail and defence, with some projects outside the UK.Graduates in Infrastructure Planning help deliver sustainable, resilient infrastructure by combining research, policy insight, and stakeholder collaboration. You’ll contribute to planning applications, site appraisals, and community engagement, guiding the development of transport schemes, utility upgrades, and energy proposals that balance technical feasibility with environmental and social value.Projects (examples)

Great British Energy: supporting early-stage consents and consultation strategies for next-generation nuclear power.Tees Valley Active Travel Scheme: delivering £150 million of new and upgraded active travel routes.Yorkshire Water: contributing to strategic water resource schemes from planning applications to defining new water-reuse corridors.Day-to-day activities

Varied workload across multiple sectorsUndertaking planning appraisals and drafting planning documentsProject managing and leading smaller projectsWorking in teams as part of larger projectsManaging environmental teamsSubmitting and managing planning applications and appealsManaging project budgetsInfrastructure Planning

In this team you’ll gain exposure to multi-disciplinary groups (ecologists, engineers, heritage specialists, hydrologists) while building core skills in GIS mapping, regulatory analysis and project coordination. The position offers a clear learning path, regular feedback, and opportunities to see your work influence real-world developments.Day-to-day activities

Supporting preparation, submission and management of planning applications, appeals and enquiries for infrastructure projectsConducting site appraisals and feasibility studiesDrafting planning statements and supporting documentsResearching local and national policy and preparing concise briefsCoordinating stakeholder and community engagementLiaising with consultants to integrate inputs into planning deliverablesMaintaining project trackers, deadlines, and risk/resource managementUsing GIS mapping and data visualisations to support recommendationsAssisting in discharging planning conditions during deliveryGraduate Development Programme

Our two-year programme is designed to support personal and professional development through blended learning, core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience. You’ll be encouraged to pursue chartered status with professional bodies like RTPI.What we will be looking for

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) in a relevant subject. You’ll be starting work in September 2026 and have a passion for Planning and consulting, a drive for the built environment, and an enthusiasm for creativity and problem solving. You’ll enjoy working with internal and external stakeholders in dynamic project environments.Complete the application form in full and answer all specific questionsOnline skill enabler assessment may be requiredStart date: September 2026Reason for applying: planning and consultingInterest in built environment, infrastructure, places and economyAbility to share new ideas and work with stakeholders“If you don’t meet every criterion, apply anyway—the right qualifications for our roles may vary and we may have other opportunities within the Graduate programme.”Application and Selection

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To ensure full consideration, submit early.What’s in it for you

Work-life balance with hybrid working (two days from home), flexible office options, and a range of benefits. We are committed to inclusivity and belonging, health and wellbeing through Thrive, and a range of flexible benefits including gym membership support and menopause care. We offer flexible hours, part-time options, and development opportunities including mentoring and chartership.#WeAreWSP. We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and request workplace adjustments where needed.Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees making a positive impact in communities near and far.About us

WSP is a leading engineering and professional services firm with a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to local communities across the UK and Ireland and supported by international expertise.Note

All content above is for refinement purposes and retains the core job information. Any extraneous boilerplate or platform-specific notices have been removed to focus on responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations.

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