With years of experience delivering our highly successful graduate program, Ground & Water has supported many graduates on their journey to becoming accomplished Engineers. Human Resources manager Penny Hignett, supported by colleagues who have completed the program, explain why there is no better place to start your career in Ground Engineering.

Ground & Water’s graduate scheme is designed to go beyond standard training programs. It focuses not only on technical expertise but also on the softer skills that transform good engineers into great consultative professionals.

“I have found my progression through the graduate program to be the ideal start to my career. From the get-go you are given responsibility and become a vital part of the Ground & Water team. A mentor will be assigned to you, and they will guide you through the early stages. It is reassuring to have someone specific that you can go to/rely on, and definitely helps you grow into your new graduate role. Ground & Water very much feels like a family, and the constant support/helping each other is the best kind of environment to learn and grow in the industry.” Adam Young – Engineer (2022 Graduate Program cohort)

 We invest deeply in your personal and professional development, offering a balanced approach that values communication, teamwork, and problem-solving as much as technical proficiency.

Through a blend of hands-on site-based practices and report-writing training, you’ll gain exposure to the full spectrum of engineering responsibilities. Our program is designed to provide experience across a wide variety of projects spanning both geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering disciplines. This diverse exposure will allow you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from investigating and analysing ground conditions to addressing environmental challenges and regulatory requirements.

Whether you’re conducting site investigations, advising on foundation design, or contributing to remediation strategies, you’ll work on real-world projects that highlight the interconnected nature of these disciplines. This holistic approach ensures you’ll experience the industry at an accelerated pace, developing a well-rounded skill set that prepares you for success in consultative engineering roles.

Become part of our family

“The graduate programme has been instrumental in aiding me to develop my skills and preparing me for a future in the industry. Through a blend of hands-on experience on-site, mentorship and targeted learning opportunities I have been able to grow in my skills and confidence during my time at the company. I have been given ample opportunity to deliver my own projects which has made me feel part of the team and family at Ground & Water. The constant support I have been shown by my colleagues and inclusive environment has made me really enjoy my time at the company.” James New – Graduate Engineer (2024 Graduate Program cohort)

Joining Ground & Water means becoming part of a collaborative and supportive community that values growth and shared success. We believe in the power of knowledge sharing and foster an environment where ideas and expertise are exchanged freely across all levels of experience.

To support your ongoing development, we run regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions, designed to keep you at the forefront of industry advancements while enhancing your skills and confidence. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues who are as invested in your success, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

We believe that professional growth should be as unique as the individual. In addition to the mandatory training required for your role, we offer an annual training budget dedicated to complementary learning. This empowers you to shape your development journey by choosing training programs that align with your personal interests and areas of specialism.

Whether you want to deepen your expertise in a specific discipline or explore emerging trends in the industry, this flexibility ensures your growth is not only guided by role requirements but also driven by your passions and career aspirations.

If you would like to know more about our Graduate Engineering scheme, please contact Penny at penny.hignett@groundandwater.co.uk