Overview

Join to apply for the 2026 Graduate Programme - Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.

We are recruiting graduates eager to learn, flexible, and ready to make a difference. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment where your creativity and passion for the built environment can flourish. You will join one of the UK’s leading professional advisory consultancies, working on planning consultancy and infrastructure planning projects across sectors and locations.

Locations

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

What you will do

• Plan and support projects across planning consultancy and infrastructure planning teams, from initial site appraisals to securing consents and supporting construction.
• Contribute to projects in sectors including residential, education, healthcare, logistics, industrial, retail and defence, with opportunities to work on international commissions.
• Work on national schemes and a portfolio of projects with varying assignments by office and interests.
• Assist in planning applications, site appraisals, community engagement, and environmental considerations as part of project teams.
• Support in GIS mapping, regulatory analysis, data gathering, and preparation of planning statements and supporting documents under senior review.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (ecologists, engineers, heritage specialists, hydrologists, etc.) and coordinate with stakeholders and communities.

Day-to-day activities

• Varied workload across multiple sectors
• Undertaking planning appraisals and drafting planning documents
• Project management for smaller projects and teamwork within larger projects
• Managing environmental teams and planning applications/appeals
• Maintaining project trackers, deadlines, and risk/resource awareness
• Using GIS mapping to support recommendations

Infrastructure Planning

• Exposure to multi-disciplinary groups and core skills in GIS mapping, regulatory analysis and project coordination
• Support preparation and submission of planning applications, appeals, and enquiries for infrastructure projects
• Site appraisals, feasibility studies, and data gathering on transport, utilities, land use and constraints
• Drafting planning statements and other supporting documents; research policy; coordinate stakeholder engagement
• Maintain project trackers and monitor deadlines; assist in discharging planning conditions
• Collaborate with consultants to integrate inputs into deliverables
• Use GIS and data visualization to inform recommendations

Graduate Development Programme

The two-year programme provides blended learning, core business and professional skills training, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience. We support progression toward chartered status with professional bodies like the RTPI.

What we will be looking for

• Graduation with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) in a relevant subject
• Ability to start work in September 2026
• Passion for Planning & consulting and the built environment
• Creativity, problem solving, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Willingness to engage with communities and adapt to dynamic project environments

Applicants should complete the application form in full and may be required to undertake an online skill enabler assessment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

What’s in it for you

• Work-life balance and hybrid working policy (flexible office/home arrangements)
• Inclusivity and belonging; employee resource groups; flexible benefits
• Health and wellbeing support including Thrive programme and Virtual GP
• Flex time, part-time and flexible working arrangements, and additional leave options
• Professional development, mentoring, and career progression opportunities