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What is work-life like in Bristol for graduates and apprentices?


If you've been weighing up where to take your graduate scheme or the best places to start an apprenticeship, have you considered living in Bristol?

As a proudly multicultural university city, the population of Bristol is an estimated 479,000 people and there are at least 91 main languages spoken in the city! 

With high student populations and over 400 parks and green spaces, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded students and enjoy the scenery if you decide to take the next step in your early career here.

Read on for our guide to working in Bristol on one of our graduate programmes or apprenticeships.

Bristol life

We've compiled a list of things to factor into your decision to move to Bristol:

  • Transport - Bristol has an extensive network of public transport so you should have no issues making your way around the city. As Bristol was the UK's first cycling city, there are numerous traffic-free cycle paths to travel around.
  • Social life - As the largest city in the South West, you'll never have a shortage of things to do in Bristol. From historical and art tours to visiting some top attractions, there's more than enough to keep you busy when you aren't working or studying. 
  • Job opportunities - Bristol is developing fast with the Bristol City Leap partnership delivering nearly £500 million into low carbon energy infrastructure to help the city on its way to becoming carbon neutral. Naturally, projects like this create jobs while helping to tackle the climate crisis, something we're passionate about at AtkinsRéalis.
  • Cost of living - if you've been wondering "Is it expensive to live in Bristol?", let's look at the statistics: Numbeo reports that Bristol is 21.6% less expensive than London without rent, and rent, on average, is 44.6% lower than in London

Bristol graduate jobs with AtkinsRéalis

Our early careers programmes offer an impressive range of graduate jobs across a multitude of sectors. 

At AtkinsRéalis, we provide opportunities to grow and innovate in a diverse, supportive, and inclusive culture. 

When you join us on any one of our numerous projects, you can shape the future in areas such as infrastructure, the environment, energy, transportation, aerospace, defence and more.

AtkinsRéalis Apprenticeships in Bristol

The city's strong focus on innovation and sustainability brings an inspiring environment for young professionals to fit right in.

When you join us as an apprentice in Bristol, you'll gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment while earning and learning. An AtkinsRéalis apprenticeship sets you up with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in your chosen field. 

Our Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships available in Bristol span a wide range of different fields, from nuclear engineering to building services design; we cater to a variety of interests and career paths.

Whether you're passionate about sustainability and engineering net zero, improving infrastructure, or driving technological innovation, our apprenticeship programmes provide the perfect foundation to kickstart your career.

Bring your career to Bristol with AtkinsRéalis

No matter whether you'll be joining us on a graduate development programme or apprenticeship, there's never a shortage of projects you can work on while you expand your skills and expertise.

Browse our live graduate jobs in Bristol today.

Browse apprenticeships in Bristol.

Discover more early careers insight

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Talent Community

Would you like to know more? Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected and engaged with us at AtkinsRéalis.