Overview

Join the 2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning at WSP. We are recruiting graduates in Planning Consultancy and Infrastructure Planning to work on major UK and international projects across a range of sectors.

We are seeking graduates who are eager to learn, flexible, and ready to make a difference. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment where curiosity and creativity are valued and where you can contribute to sustainable development and infrastructure projects.

Locations

• Planning Consultancy: Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Leeds
• Infrastructure Planning: Nationwide including Exeter

Role summary

Graduates in Planning Consultancy help clients through the planning process from initial site appraisals to securing consents and supporting construction, across sectors including residential, education, healthcare, logistics, industrial, retail and defence. Graduates in Infrastructure Planning support sustainable, resilient infrastructure, contributing to planning applications, site appraisals and community engagement, and informing transport schemes, utility upgrades and energy proposals.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation, submission and management of planning applications and appeals
• Conduct site appraisals, feasibility studies, and collect data on transport, utilities, land use and environmental constraints
• Draft planning statements, design and access statements, and supporting documents under senior review
• Engage with stakeholders and communities; coordinate environmental teams and consultants
• Assist in discharging planning conditions during delivery and in maintaining project trackers and schedules
• Use GIS mapping and data visualisations to support recommendations

Projects and portfolio

• Great British Energy: supporting early-stage consents and consultation strategies
• Tees Valley Active Travel Scheme: delivering active travel routes and improvements
• Yorkshire Water: contributing to strategic water resource schemes and planning of water-reuse corridors

Infrastructure Planning activities

• Prepare, submit and manage planning applications and inquiries for infrastructure projects
• Conduct site appraisals and feasibility studies; analyse transport, land use and environmental constraints
• Draft planning statements and supporting documents; research policy; coordinate stakeholder engagement
• Maintain project trackers, monitor deadlines, identify risks and resource needs
• Utilise GIS mapping and data visualization to support recommendations
• Assist in delivering planning conditions and compiling supporting evidence

Graduate Development

Our two-year Graduate Development programme combines core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience. It includes opportunities to pursue chartered status with professional bodies like the RTPI.

What we are looking for

You’ll typically have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) in a relevant subject. To explore alignment with our business, review the Graduate brochure or Graduate website. You should also be prepared to start work in September 2026.

• Complete the application form in full, answer all questions, and complete the online skill enabler assessment
• Desire to start in September 2026 and an interest in Planning & consulting
• Passion for the built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy
• Creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders

Don’t worry if you don’t meet every criterion — if you have the right qualifications, apply and we can discuss alignment with this role and other opportunities in the Graduate programme.

Application process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit early to ensure full consideration.

What’s in it for you

WSP offers work-life balance with hybrid working two days per week from home, flexibility to collaborate in modern offices, and a range of benefits focused on health, wellbeing and inclusion. Typical benefits include Thrive wellbeing programs, Virtual GP, Gymflex, menopause support, flexible working, paid leave options and professional development opportunities.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging and we interview all disabled applicants who meet essential criteria. If workplace adjustments are required, please let us know.