Highways Civil Engineering Apprentice - Manchester (2027 starts)

Location: Manchester, England, gb Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

About the Role

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world by designing and developing sustainable, efficient, and inclusive infrastructure that connects people and communities. Our Highways teams work on a diverse range of projects across the UK and Ireland, supporting the development and improvement of road infrastructure for local authorities, National Highways, and other public and private sector clients.

Our projects span the full lifecycle of highway infrastructure, from feasibility and concept development through to detailed design and delivery. This includes major road schemes, junction improvements, highway upgrades, active travel infrastructure, and improvements to existing networks.

Joining us as a Highways Apprentice means becoming part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team while gaining practical, hands-on experience alongside structured academic study. You’ll develop your technical skills and knowledge while working towards professional qualifications and building a rewarding career in civil and highway engineering.

Role Overview

As a Highways Apprentice, you’ll support experienced engineers and designers in the development and delivery of a wide range of highway projects. You’ll gain practical experience across different stages of project development, developing an understanding of highway design principles, engineering standards, and project delivery.

You’ll work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and develop experience using industry-standard design and modelling tools, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and BIM software. As your skills and knowledge develop, you’ll gradually take on greater responsibility and contribute to increasingly complex project work.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation of highway design drawings, plans, details, and supporting technical documentation using CAD and design software.

Support the development and delivery of highway schemes from feasibility and concept design through to detailed design.

Assist with the design of roads, junctions, pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, and associated highway elements.

Support the preparation and development of highway layouts in accordance with relevant design standards, guidance, and specifications.

Assist with site visits, surveys, and the collection of information to support highway design and assessment.

Help analyse technical information, survey data, and existing highway conditions to inform design development.

Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, calculations, specifications, and presentation materials.

Support the use of digital engineering, CAD, Civil 3D, and BIM tools in the development and delivery of highway projects.

Maintain accurate project records and assist with general project administration.

Work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, project managers, and other disciplines to deliver high-quality solutions for clients.

Develop an understanding of relevant highway design standards, legislation, health and safety requirements, and industry best practice.

Participate in training and professional development activities as part of the apprenticeship programme.

Qualifications

This role is suited to school leavers with an interest in developing a career in highway and civil engineering and the following:

Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English.

Three A-Levels (or equivalent, such as BTEC Level 3 in Civil Engineering), including Mathematics and a physical science at Grade C or above, where required for the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Genuine interest in highway engineering, civil engineering, and the design and development of transport infrastructure.

Aptitude for technical drawing, engineering design, and computer-based applications, with an interest in developing skills in tools such as AutoCAD and 3D modelling software.

Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Strong analytical and numerical skills, with a methodical approach to problem-solving.

Good attention to detail, organisation, and time-management skills.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, while demonstrating initiative when working independently.

A willingness to learn, adapt, and develop new technical skills and knowledge.

A creative, practical, and solutions-focused approach to engineering challenges.

Commitment to continuous learning and professional development throughout the apprenticeship.

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible since CVs will be reviewed, and candidates selected for an advanced offer start.

Please include a covering letter with your application and provide all predicted and/or obtained academic grades.

You must have permanent right to work in the UK as