Waste Management Graduate Scheme

Choose a sustainable future

Do you want to join a team that asks questions and dares to see things differently? A team that is engineering a better future for our planet and its people.

We are AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation. When you join us, you'll help create world-class sustainable solutions that connect people, data, and technology. We're transforming infrastructure and energy systems, growing partnerships with our clients, and bringing the most complex projects across the globe to life.

Our global team of 36,000+ employees speak over 70 languages and represents 130 nationalities across six continents. Our work covers a variety of sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, environment, water, energy, defence, technology and aerospace.

In our Graduate Development Programme, you take the driver's seat in your career. Grow personally and professionally, guided by inspiring managers. Just say yes to opportunities that spark your interest, knowing you'll have the flexibility to balance work, life, and study.

With our excellent training and a supportive environment, you'll thrive in great company.

Reaching your full potential means being able to bring your whole self to work and being respected for the different opinions, strengths and experience you bring. We’re not all the same, and that’s our greatest strength. Find out more about why we believe 'Different, makes a difference’.

Where you could work

As a Waste Management graduate, you'll enjoy variety, working on large and small projects with the opportunity to explore different career pathways including consulting and design.

You can join the following business areas:

Nuclear & Power:

Our Nuclear & Power team works collaboratively across the industry, building trust and delivering exceptional engineering solutions to our key clients. As part of our dynamic Nuclear & Power (N&P) teams, your work will support today’s energy needs and pave the way for tomorrow’s solutions, playing a crucial role in our journey towards a net-zero future.

In joining our Nuclear & Power business, you’ll be part of one of four key teams in the UK:

• Power New Build
• Reactor Operations & Decommissioning
• Net Zero Energy
• Decommissioning & Waste Services.

Click here for our Nuclear & Power job description and to learn about the teams available.

Locations for Nuclear & Power include: Bristol, Epsom (Surrey), Glasgow, Manchester, Whitehaven (West Cumbria).* (Bristol, Epsom, Glasgow are closed and no longer accepting applications)

*Please note that locations will vary according to the team selected. If your preferred location is not listed in the application form drop down, please assume this option is no longer available and select an alternative option.

What you can bring

• A passion for working in a consultancy environment
• Embracing equality, diversity and inclusion in everything you do
• A desire to work collaboratively with a curious approach, challenging yourself to find new solutions
• Enthusiasm and drive to develop your skillset and seek out development opportunities within a supportive team
• Motivation to achieve professional accreditation (where applicable)
• Comfortable to embrace agile ways of working and learning new technologies.

Training and development

Our graduate programme has been designed to give you an insight into a wide variety of areas of work and the chance to explore where your own skills and interests lie.

Featuring a series of training events and modules, professional development, mentoring and on-the-job experience as well as practical skills development, you’ll work on real projects from day one, that offer scale and variety, collaborating with others and creating meaningful impact on the world around us. You’ll work towards your professional accreditation where applicable; so whichever path you take, your future starts here.

Meeting your needs

As well as ensuring you’re rewarded for your efforts, we also have a variety of initiatives to support you:

• A settling in payment of £2,500 when you join and a further payment of £2,500 when you achieve chartered status or reach an equivalent stage in your professional development
• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, with the option to buy an additional 15 days or sell up to 5 days
• Flexible working arrangements
• Two paid annual volunteer days
• Join any of our employee networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development
• Opportunities to further develop yourself by applying to various company-wide development programmes
• An enhanced maternity scheme and family friendly policies
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing you with immediate and confidential help for any work, health or life matters
• Life #InsideAtkinsRéalis - join hundreds of talented graduates, with opportunities from skill-building to social events, charity challenges, Young Professional Awards, social clubs, and exciting secondments.

To view all available benefits, visit our Total Rewards portal. Our graduate salaries are between £30,500 - £33,500 depending on role and location.

How do I apply?

Click "Apply Now" below to start your application.

Do also check out our Connectr platform for tips and advice on applying. You can message your questions directly to one of our graduate mentors.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer and can make adjustments to support you to perform at your best during the recruitment process. Please contact us confidentially at graduates@atkinsrealis.com to find out how we can support you.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Our programmes are incredibly popular, so apply as soon as possible as roles will close based on volume of applications. 

More about us

AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We design and deliver major projects on the built and natural environments all around the world. We believe that digitally enabled engineering has the power to radically improve the way we are all housed, connected, powered, and protected and can change our relationship with our communities and our planet for the better. Learn more.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

Visit our International Students page to find out more about visas and requirements.