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Our Graduate Programme

A two-year development journey combining technical learning, professional skills and real project experience.
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Our Graduate Programme offers a diverse two-year development journey that blends technical learning, professional skills training, and real-world project experience.

The programme has been designed to give you a broad understanding of our industry, as well as the specialist skills and experiences you need to progress in your chosen career path. Across the two years, you will take part in an extensive schedule of activities in areas such as sustainability, social value, diversity and inclusion, and ethics in construction. You will build core professional skills in communication, leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving, supported by practical improvement toolkits such as process improvement and visual management.

You will also take part in major project site visits, cross-department insight days, and community projects that deliver tangible social value. Networking and social events will help you connect with colleagues across the business, while structured modules and mentor support will ensure your learning is relevant and immediately applicable.

By the end of the two years, you will have built a strong professional foundation, a valuable network, and the confidence to take on greater responsibility and contribute to the future of Keltbray and the wider industry.

Executive Chairman's foreword

The Keltbray Graduate Programme represents a key part of our commitment to developing the next generation of talent within our industry. It is designed to equip early career professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to make a lasting impact in a fast-moving and increasingly complex world.

We see our graduates as future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The programme provides opportunities to work on real projects, solve real challenges, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in our business. By combining hands-on experience with structured learning and professional development, we aim to accelerate their growth and prepare them for long-term success.

Our approach is rooted in Keltbray's culture of innovation, inclusivity, and integrity. We believe that diverse perspectives, curiosity, and resilience are essential to driving meaningful progress. Our Graduate Programme creates an environment where people can stretch beyond their comfort zones, learn from both successes and setbacks, and develop the adaptability required for the future.

For us, investing in graduates is not only about building individual careers, but also about shaping the future of Keltbray and the communities we serve.

Brendan Kerr

Owner and Executive Chairman

What we do

Who we are

Keltbray is a UK-leading specialist construction engineering and major civil services business, offering a range of self-delivered solutions for blue-chip public and private sector customers.

What we do

Operating in highly-regulated and safety-critical sectors, we are a key player in developing and maintaining Britain's built environment, and in selective overseas markets. Our customers trust us to deliver certainty on their projects — to specification, safely, on programme, within budget and with care for the environment and the communities that host us.

Dynamic growth sectors

Through our UK business network, Keltbray has a strong and growing presence in built environment and major civils sectors, shaped by the product innovation and delivery certainty of the services we provide.

  • Data centres
  • Transport civils
  • London commercial and life sciences
  • Geography
  • Industrial estates remodelling
  • Energy storage and transition
  • Aviation

Project highlights

50 Fenchurch Street
£70m
Demolition · Piling and bulk excavation · Basement and core
One Undershaft
£30m
Asbestos removal · Soft strip · Structural demolition
HS2 Curzon Street — main works
£23m
Piling · Groundworks
1 Victoria Street
£17m
Asbestos removal · Soft strip · Structural demolition

Graduate opportunities

At Keltbray, we know that your technical expertise will be developed through the projects you work on, the teams you join and the mentoring you receive from experienced colleagues.

To support your development, our Graduate Programme provides something different but equally important: a structured pathway designed to strengthen the broader skills and experiences that will carry you forward in your career. This programme focuses on areas such as communication, leadership, decision-making, sustainability, inclusion and ethics.

My role, and that of the Learning and Development team, is to ensure you have access to the right tools, the right support and the right opportunities to make the most of this development journey. I encourage you to use this time to challenge yourself, to try new things and to reflect on what kind of professional you want to be.

James Dawson

Head of Learning and Development

Civil engineering

As a graduate civil engineer at Keltbray, you'll be part of teams delivering complex and high-profile infrastructure projects across the UK. You'll take on responsibilities early, from supporting project planning and design to being on site applying innovative engineering solutions.

We'll give you exposure to temporary works, piling, ground engineering and major civils projects, building the technical capability and confidence needed to progress towards chartership.

Quantity surveying

Joining us as a graduate quantity surveyor means taking on real responsibility for the commercial success of projects worth millions. You'll work closely with clients, subcontractors and project teams, developing expertise in contracts, procurement and cost management.

From day one you'll gain experience across the full project lifecycle, helping to shape strategy and control budgets while ensuring value for money.

Construction site management

Our graduate pathway in construction site management puts you at the heart of project delivery. You'll take a leading role in coordinating people, resources and programmes to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and to the highest quality standards.

From managing subcontractors on complex builds to engaging with clients and stakeholders, you'll develop the leadership and decision-making skills that define effective site managers.

The programme

An extensive schedule of modules across two years, each building on the last.

Graduate welcome day

An introduction to the company, colleagues, and the journey ahead.

Mental health awareness and personal resilience

Strategies to protect your wellbeing and build resilience.

Time management

Practical tools to plan, prioritise, and work efficiently.

Effective communication

Skills to express ideas clearly and build strong professional relationships.

Introduction to social value

How projects deliver benefits beyond commercial outcomes.

Introduction to sustainability

Sustainable practices shaping the future of construction.

LinkedIn essentials

Optimise your profile to showcase your skills and achievements.

Inclusive language and communication

Communicate in ways that promote inclusion and respect.

Major project visit and social event

Experience a flagship project first-hand and connect with peers.

Improvement foundation skillset — process improvement

Methods to streamline processes and add value.

Improvement foundation skillset — construction and waste

How to reduce waste and improve efficiency on site.

CIOB diversity and inclusion in the built environment

The benefits of diverse teams and inclusive workplaces.

Cross-department insight day

A broader view of the business by exploring different functions.

Strategic problem-solving and decision-making

Approaches to tackle complex challenges with confidence.

Social value community project

Collaborate on a real project that benefits the local community.

End of year conference

Reflect on progress, share experiences, and plan for the year ahead.

Why Keltbray?

What the programme gives you

  • Structured two-year development journey — combining technical learning, professional skills, and real project experience
  • Mentor support — guidance from experienced professionals throughout
  • Major project exposure — work on high-profile, complex projects across the UK
  • Networking opportunities — site visits, cross-department days, graduate socials

And alongside it

  • Volunteering days — paid time off each year to give back to your community
  • Health and wellbeing — 24/7 GP access, mental health support, discounted gym membership
  • Generous annual leave — at least 25 days plus public holidays
  • Employee discounts — on shopping, travel, and more

Placement programmes

Keltbray offers summer and year-out industrial placements to individuals who are planning on, or currently studying for, a construction-related degree, in engineering, construction and surveying. Placements vary in length, between 6–8 weeks for a summer placement and up to a year for a year-out industrial placement, and in many cases lead to a full-time graduate position.

Professional qualification support

We offer structured development in a professional workplace environment, leading to the appropriate chartered status, supported by well-established relationships with a range of professional institutions and industry partners.

Our graduates

Construction is one of the most fascinating and rewarding industries to work in. But don't just take our word for it: hear from some of our team members who joined Keltbray through early career opportunities.

“I joined the Keltbray Graduate Programme to work on complex, high-profile projects while learning from experienced professionals. The structured training and support from mentors have helped me build confidence and take ownership of responsibilities on large-scale projects, such as 1 Victoria Street. No two days are the same, and every task involves detailed planning, collaboration, and clear communication. My favourite part is the team spirit: we work hard, support each other, and share a laugh along the way.”

Valters Bolsaks

Graduate Site Manager

“I began my journey at Keltbray as a placement student and the transition from university to full-time work was smooth, thanks to the Keltbray Graduate Programme. These experiences have been invaluable in improving my confidence as I've had the opportunity to work on a variety of design challenges, with the privilege of seeing my work come to life.”

Meg Smith

Graduate Engineer

“I joined the Keltbray Graduate Programme to challenge myself with complex problems in temporary works design. One standout project was 1 Undershaft, where I helped design and check the demolition of a skyscraper. My advice to anyone considering a graduate position is to be proactive about your growth. If you're seeking a dynamic environment, this is the place to be.”

Dhiraj Garbuja

Grade 2 Engineer

“As a graduate at Keltbray, I've enjoyed the diverse range of tasks I've been involved in and the opportunity to stretch myself. I've had the chance to contribute to major projects that I can look back on with pride, all while still in the early stages of my career.”

Alex Reed

Graduate Engineer

“I was drawn to Keltbray Piling for its depth of expertise and experience in the field, and I was genuinely excited to join the graduate scheme. In my first project, I designed the piling platform, the test piles and the tower crane piles. It was a great introduction to real-world engineering. If you're thinking of applying for the programme, don't hesitate. Just go for it!”

Jan Patel

Graduate Engineer

Ready to take the next step?

At Keltbray, we're always looking for ambitious, curious, and driven graduates who want to help shape the future of our industry. If you're inspired by our projects, people, and purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

  • Register online — visit our careers platform to register your interest for our Graduate Programme
  • Connect with us directly — if you have questions or would like to know more, we'd be happy to help