UKIMEA graduate programme

When you join our extraordinary collective at Arup, you immediately become part of Arup’s global community of specialists, working on some of the most important projects in the world.

As a graduate, you’ll be joining a growing organisation with many opportunities to shape a brilliant career. If you can bring your talent, curiosity and creativity to our work across the built environment – we will provide you with the support, flexibility and opportunities you need for a challenging, fulfilling career.

Proud to regularly feature as one of the top UK employers of graduates, Arup is committed to providing a solid foundation to your development.

Our scheme

Each year we recruit over 300 graduate members across our UK offices, which span 16 locations. We have a strong network of friendly, experienced professionals who look forward to helping you settle into your role. From the moment you start, you’ll be contributing to client projects that could span the globe, and we’ll give you the training, support and freedom that you need to thrive.

Our graduates typically join us each September, and before joining, all members have the opportunity to learn more about our firm, our projects and priorities. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will meet some of your fellow members from across the UK, connect with your team and colleagues, and begin creating your own Arup network. With a programme designed to settle you into Arup, you will have a structured agenda for your first week which will include meeting your team, meeting leadership and understanding what learning means at Arup.

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Early Careers Brochure

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Awards

Target Jobs Most Popular Graduate Recruiter

Winner - Construction, Civil Engineering and Surveying
The Times Graduate Recruitment Awards 2024

Winner - Graduate Employer of Choice, Engineering
RateMyPlacement

Winner: Best 100 Student Employer, 24/25

Start your application

We understand that applying for jobs can be a difficult, and at times daunting process. We’ve kept our process simple and straight-forward so that you can perform at your best, and our friendly Early Careers Team are always on hand to answer questions.

Application process

Applying for a graduate role

Search for graduate roles

1

Online application

Select the vacancy that most interests you, and complete our short online application form. Take some time to consider your answers to the questions before you submit it.
2

Online assessment

You’ll be invited to complete 3 short assessments; this will be a personality assessment as well as a timed numerical and logical reasoning assessment. We recommend you find a nice quiet place, free from distractions so that you can think about your answers.
3

Shortlisting

We'll review each application and check that you hold the minimum requirements as advertised in the job description. We'll also review the answers that you’ve provided to the application form with the hiring teams, to decide on who goes through to the final stage of the process.
4

Online assessment centre

Our online assessment centre is the last stage of our process. It involves an interview, a technical and a case study exercise, plus you will have the chance to meet some of our current Graduates and receive a virtual tour of your chosen office.
5

Offer

If successful, we’ll call you with news of an offer of employment, and we’ll begin preparing you for your arrival.

Frequently asked questions

I am interested in applying to an Arup Graduate position. When do applications open?

What does the application process involve?

Our application process consists of the following stages:

Online application form – basic details and application questions
Application review by a recruiter
Psychometric & ability assessments
Shortlisting
A competency-based online Assessment Centre. These may vary depending on the role, but you’ll be given more information when you’re invited to attend.

When is your deadline for applications?

How many application forms can I submit?

You can only complete one application during each recruitment period, so please only apply for the position that suits you best. Additional applications will be regretted. Please check that you meet the minimum entry requirements and the eligibility critera as stated on the job advert.

What is the structure of the Graduate Assessment Session?

You’ll virtually meet the hiring team and recent graduates on our virtual assessment platform, take part in an individual written/technical exercise, case study presentation and a competency-based interview. You will also meet with a member of the Early Careers Team to discuss the assessment in more detail and have the opportunity to ask any questions before starting. Assessment centres may vary depending on the role, but you’ll be given more information in your invite. We aim to let you know the outcome of the assessment centre within 2 weeks.

When will I be expected to start work?

What do I do if I have a disability or learning difference which may affect my performance during the selection process?

Arup is committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities. We strongly encourage you to share any adjustments that will support your participation in our recruitment process.

You’ll get the chance to tell us about any disability or learning difference on your application form and before coming to the assessment. We’ll then make the appropriate arrangements for you. The information gathered during this process is only used to make reasonable adjustments and is not considered in any other context of your application.

Do you employ Graduates requiring a Certificate of Sponsorship (work permit)?

What can I expect to do in my first few years?

What support do you give towards chartership or accreditation?

We work closely with several professional bodies. We have had accredited training schemes in place with them for a while now and continue to invest in the schemes. Everyone interested in getting chartered will have a dedicated mentor to guide them through their journey and overall support to ensure they achieve their potential.

What vacancies are available at which locations?

As we work in multidisciplinary offices, there are various roles available in each of our 16 UK locations. These locations are; Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Birmingham, Whitehaven, Winchester and York.

Can I use AI powered writing assistants during the application process

We know that AI powered writing assistants can help you improve content and save time, however during our application process we would kindly ask you to refrain from using these tools. Our application process is designed so we can learn about your interests, background and aspirations – and to do this, we want to hear from you directly in your responses.

UKIMEA graduate programme

A future with purpose

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