Engineering graduate schemes 2025

Whatever your specialism, a range of structured engineering graduate schemes are offered by many of the leading names in the industry, providing you with a chance to learn on the job

What is an engineering graduate scheme?

It's a training programme designed for those with an engineering degree who want to work in the engineering industry, usually within a specific branch such as civil, mechanical, or electrical.

These schemes last one to three years and allow you to develop your technical knowledge and skills while working in one or more roles.

Engineering graduate programmes differ from standard entry jobs in that they're often structured as a direct pathway to leadership and progression within the company.

What engineering graduate schemes are available?

The primary branches of engineering can be divided into:

• chemical engineering - biomolecular, materials, process.
• civil engineering - environmental, structural, transport.
• electrical engineering - electronic, computer, power, renewable energy.
• mechanical engineering - aerospace, automotive, energy, industrial, manufacturing.

There are also engineering disciplines that relate to other sectors, such as:

• agricultural
• applied
• biomedical
• biological
• building and construction
• cyber security
• information
• nuclear
• systems
• transport (railway).

Most graduate vacancies will fall into one of these categories, with engineering graduate schemes available at general and more specialised levels.

In addition to opportunities to work with the biggest firms, you'll also find that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also take on engineering graduates as they seek to prepare their businesses for the future.

Read our overview of the UK's engineering industry.

Which companies run engineering graduate schemes?

Many large UK employers in a variety of sectors run engineering graduate schemes, with streams focusing on the following areas:

• Accenture - digital engineering and manufacturing, and modern engineering.
• Airbus - general engineering and the wider business.
• Amey - civil, electrical and telecoms engineering, plus consulting.
• Arup - structural and civil engineering, transport and ground engineering.
• BAE Systems - systems and software engineering and naval architecture.
• BP - a range of programmes, including chemical and process, construction, electrical, mechanical and project engineering.
• Dunbia - mechanical engineering, with projects involving electrical, mechanical and automation engineering.
• EDF Energy - nuclear engineering.
• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) - engineering stream of its Future Leaders Graduate Programme.
• Jaguar Land Rover - software and electronics engineering, complex integration systems, hardware and mechatronics, plus industrial operations (manufacturing engineering).
• Mott MacDonald - civil and structural engineering and electrical engineering.
• Network Rail - civil, electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.
• Rolls-Royce - automotive engineering and technology.
• RWE Generation UK - nuclear engineering.
• Sellafield Ltd - design engineering, engineering and maintenance.
• Sky - software engineering.
• Virgin Atlantic - engineering services and production.

What will I do on an engineering graduate programme?

By joining a more general or management-focused engineering scheme, you'll typically get to spend time in several departments. This lets you understand the wider business and know how each part functions.

This will still provide you with a platform to put your engineering ability to good use. For example, Network Rail offers a two-year scheme for aspiring mechanical engineers. During four rotational placements, you'll gain a broad perspective of the railway and learn about the products, processes, and systems that help it function.

The Rolls-Royce programme is similar in that you'll work across the manufacturer's products and services lifecycle, including its civil aerospace and defence operations. As a graduate, you could work in:

• architecture and design
• innovation and concept development
• or testing.

On the other hand, if you land a place on the software engineering graduate scheme at Accenture, you'll be tasked with designing, building, testing and deploying innovative technical solutions for the organisation's clients.

Those joining BAE Systems will work on some of the world's most advanced technology projects, including the UK's next-generation submarines (SSN-AUKUS) and its Global Combat Air Programme.

What are the entry requirements?

Many graduate employers will expect a 2:2 degree rather than insist on a 2:1, but this usually comes with other specific requirements for engineering programmes.

For example, your degree subject will typically need to be related to the stream you're applying for, such as:

• civil
• electrical
• mechanical
• software engineering.

To gain a place on the Accenture programme, you'll need a degree in a related field, such as computer science or software engineering.

For the BAE Systems' systems engineer scheme, you'll require a Bachelors or Masters degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or maths) subject, such as:

• aerospace
• automotive
• mechanical
• structural engineering.

Additionally, you may be expected to hold an accredited degree with an industry body such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

For instance, Network Rail seeks candidates with a 2:2 in an Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) accredited degree for its electrical and electronic engineering scheme. They also point out that graduates must be flexible about occasionally travelling, as training will be held at various locations.

What are the key skills for engineering graduate schemes?

Recruiters look for graduates who are:

• excellent at maths or science
• good at time management
• hardworking
• great communicators
• highly motivated
• logical thinkers
• problem solvers
• resilient
• resourceful.

When and how should I apply?

With most graduate programmes starting in September, you'll find that the application process for next year's intake begins in the autumn and runs until the end of the year or January.

For example, to join Jaguar Land Rover's two-year engineering programme, you'll apply between September and November for a start date in September of the following year.

On the other hand, BAE Systems recruits graduates throughout the year, with intakes in January, April, July, August and September.

To apply, you'll typically need to submit a CV and cover letter. If successful, this is followed by an assessment centre and various stages of interview.

Read more about applying for graduate schemes in general.

How much will I be paid?

• Accenture - £33,500 per year, plus a £10,000 bonus (Digital Engineering and Manufacturing Programme), or £27,500, plus a £5,000 bonus (Modern Engineering Graduate Programme) in all locations except London, where the starting salary is £33,500 plus a £10,000 bonus.
• BAE Systems - £34,000, plus a £2,000 welcome payment and optional 20% salary advance.
• BP - £37,000 to £48,000 depending on the role, plus a £3,000 to £5,000 joining allowance.
• EDF Energy - £37,500, with annual bonus.
• Jaguar Land Rover - £32,000, with a £2,000 joining bonus, rising to £39,000 on completion of the graduate programme.
• Network Rail - £29,380 to £32,000 plus a £2,000 welcome bonus.
• Rolls-Royce - £31,000, plus a £2,000 joining bonus.
• RWE Generation UK - £40,403, plus a £2,000 joining bonus.
• Sky - £38,000.

The average salary for an engineering graduate scheme is £35,000.

Will I be offered a job afterwards?

Most employers view these training programmes as an investment in the company's future leaders, so there's a good chance they'll want to take you on permanently once the scheme is over.

However, even if this isn't the case, you'll be perfectly placed to progress your career in the UK engineering industry.

Find out more

• Explore engineering apprenticeships.
• Consider how to become an engineer.
• Read about opportunities for women in engineering.