Graduate Project Management

Project Management Graduate

Salary: 30000

Programme start date: September 2027

Location: Exeter

Connect the country. Shape your future. Start your career journey with us.

Ready to turn plans into reality and help shape the future of our roads On National Highways three-year Project Management Graduate Programme youll gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of projects from business improvements and strategic transformation programmes to maintenance schemes and multimillion-pound infrastructure projects.

Working closely with experienced project managers youll learn what it takes to plan manage and deliver successful programmes of work. From local schemes to national programmes youll experience different stages of the project lifecycle through placements across the business.

Alongside this youll complete a levy-funded Level 4 apprenticeship which is aligned with the professional knowledge skills and behaviours required to obtain full membership of the Association for Project Management (APM).

By the end of the programme youll be ready to continue your career with us as an Assistant Project Manager using everything youve learned to take on new challenges and build your future in project management.

What Youll Get in Return

If youre ready to invest in your development and excited to help shape the future of transport weve got your back.

Our graduate programme offers a mix of hands-on experience workshops and real-world learning. Youll have a dedicated manager support from experienced mentors and flexible work arrangements to help you thrive. Youll also be part of our Early Careers community connecting with peers sharing ideas and building your network. And when the programme wraps up well help you land a permanent role in the business.

As well as a competitive salary and plenty of career development support youll also enjoy a fantastic employee benefits package which includes a generous pension scheme annual leave starting at 26 days (rising to 31 days with service) access to health and wellbeing schemes discounts and cashback on shopping going out and more!

What Youll Need to Succeed

Youll need to bring a positive mindset take ownership of your work and be ready to adapt when things change. Were looking for people who can communicate effectively work collaboratively and think critically to solve problems. If youre curious and keen to learn youll be ready to grow with us.

To be eligible for our graduate programme you must:

• Hold or be on track to achieve before 27th August 2027: An undergraduate (e.g. BA BSc) degree at 2:2 or above.
• You must also meet all eligibility criteria for the apprenticeship component as follows:
  • Have Grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language and Mathematics or be willing to complete these qualifications during the programme.
  • Have lived in England for 3 consecutive years before 1 September 2027 and continue to live in England for the full 3-year graduate programme.
  • Not have completed any other previous study (including your degree) in Project Management.

• Be able to attend our residential induction in Birmingham from 6th - 9th September 2027.
• Have the unrestricted Right to Work in the UK for the full duration of the three-year programme. Due to the salary levels of the programme and the permanent role that graduates will transition to at the end of the programme we cannot offer sponsorship for individuals that dont have the Right to Work in the UK.
• Live or be willing to relocate within one hours travel of the office location listed on this advert and be able to attend the office at least 2 days per week in line with our hybrid working policy. We are unable to offer relocation support so please consider carefully how you will meet this requirement before applying.

Your Journey to Joining Us

Assessment Centres will run in January and February 2027 and well let you know soon after whether youve been successful.

All offers to the programme are conditional on successfully passing both our pre-employment checks and programme enrolment process before the programme starts. Pre-employment checks include Right to Work references and criminal record/DBS checks. During programme enrolment well check that your education and qualifications meet the programme entry requirements working with our training providers and professional body partners where applicable. If we cannot verify the information you provided in your application or you do not meet the requirements of either process your offer may be withdrawn.

About Us

Our strategic road network is vital to connecting the country carrying a third of all traffic and two-thirds of freight. Every single day National Highways get millions of people to where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible along more than 4500 miles of motorways and major A roads. We bring people together keep businesses moving and help communities to stay connected.

Were constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in building and operating our roads investing in both the right projects and the brightest talent to help shape our future. And thats where you come in!

Why You Should Join Us

At National Highways we believe in building a connected country. Were passionate about creating an inclusive collaborative culture where all our people feel empowered valued and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this.

If you share our values of safety passion teamwork ownership and integrity youll thrive as part of our team.

Ready to Take the Next Step

If youre excited by growing in and shaping the future of a large evolving organisation apply today and start your journey with us. Dont miss out submit your application early as we may close applications before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of interest.