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. Join our 2026 Graduate Programme in Planning Consultancy & Infrastructure Planning and launch your career with one of the UK’s leading professional advisory consultancies.

We are recruiting for Graduates in the following services & locations:

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

What you will do

Our Planning Consultancy teams work on large transformational projects across the UK, collaborating with communities to deliver sustainable development. You’ll guide clients through the planning process, from initial site appraisals to securing consents and supporting construction. Our work spans sectors including residential, education, healthcare, logistics, industrial, retail and defence. We also work outside the UK, including recent commissions in the Middle East.

Graduates in Infrastructure Planning help deliver sustainable, resilient infrastructure by combining research, policy insight, and stakeholder collaboration. You’ll contribute to planning applications, site appraisals, and community engagement, guided by experienced planners. Your work will inform transport schemes, utility upgrades, and energy proposals balancing technical feasibility with environmental and social value.

Day-to-day Activities

Planning Consultancy

• Varied workload across multiple sectors
• Undertaking planning appraisals, drafting planning documents
• Project managing and leading smaller projects
• Working in teams as part of larger projects
• Managing environmental teams
• Submitting and managing planning applications and appeals

Infrastructure Planning

• Supporting the preparation, submission and management of planning applications, appeals and enquiries for infrastructure projects
• Conducting site appraisals and feasibility studies, gathering data on transport, utilities, land use and environmental constraints
• Drafting planning statements, design and access statements, and supporting documents under senior review
• Researching local and national policy and preparing concise briefs for project teams
• Coordinating stakeholder and community engagement, including public exhibitions and workshops
• Liaising with consultants to integrate inputs into planning deliverables
• Maintaining project trackers, monitoring deadlines, and identifying risks or resource needs
• Using GIS mapping and data visualisations to support recommendations
• Assisting in discharging planning conditions during delivery, compiling reports and evidence logs

Graduate Development Programme

Two-year programme designed to support personal and professional development through core business and professional skills training, career development workshops, mentoring for professional registration, and on-the-job experience. Includes opportunities to pursue chartered status with professional bodies like the RTPI.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s degree (RTPI accredited) in a relevant subject for the role. If you don’t meet all criteria, apply anyway and we can explore alignment to this role or other opportunities in our Graduate programme.

• Candidates must complete the application form in full, including all questions.
• Online skill enabler assessment is required if you pass the initial application stage.
• You’ll be looking to start work in September 2026
• You’ll have a passion for Planning & consulting
• You’ll have a desire for built environment, infrastructure, places and the economy
• Enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems
• You’ll want to inspire us, sharing new ideas
• Ability to deal with internal and external stakeholders and adapt to dynamic project environments

For further information regarding our Application & Selection process, please visit the Early Careers brochure or Graduate website.

What’s in it for you

• Work-life balance with hybrid working (two days remote, two days in office).
• Inclusivity & Belonging: diverse, authentic workplaces with employee resource groups.
• Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP, menopause support, gym benefits.
• Flex your time: WSP My Hour for personal activities, part-time/flexible options, extra leave options.
• Your development: mentoring, training, chartership support.

We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates; please indicate any workplace adjustments you may require.

What we are

We are a leading global engineering and professional services firm with a local presence across the UK & Ireland, committed to creating positive, long-lasting impacts through innovation, integrity and inclusion.

If you want to explore more about Sectors and Specialisms, please refer to the Graduate brochure or website.

Contact and referral information about jobs and updates are included but not necessary to the description of the role.