Costain expands early careers programme 

Costain is increasing its intake of early careers professionals to more than 180 roles in 2025. 

Early careers roles will be available for more than 60 graduates, 90 apprentices, and 30 internships and university placements following a period of growth for the business. 

The early careers positions are across different sectors – including road, rail, integrated transport, energy, water, defence and nuclear energy – and in a variety of disciplines, which include civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, quantity surveyors, consultancy and project management. 

The company offers a two-year graduate programme, while its apprenticeship programme takes one to six years to complete, depending on the level of study. Both programmes allow candidates to rotate around projects across multiple sectors in locations across the UK.

Costain also covers the full cost of professional development charterships through recognised industry bodies. 

Internships and university placements at the company are available for three to 12 months. Costain also offers work experience opportunities and T-Level placements for those at school or college.

Catherine Warbrick, chief people and sustainability officer at Costain, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our graduates, apprentices and those who join Costain on a work placement. 

“More than ever, we’re looking for fresh ideas and innovative thinkers to make a real impact for our customers, which we know is essential for shaping, creating and delivering sustainable infrastructure that improves people’s lives. 

“The fact that we’re able to welcome such a healthy intake of graduates and apprentices is reflective of our strong pipeline of work in the coming years. 

“We will continue to invest in our people in line with our growth and provide an environment that offers learning and development opportunities for all.”

The 2025 cohort will include the continuation of Costain’s partnership with the Nuclear Graduates programme, delivered by Energus on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. 

This year saw the first cohort of Costain’s nuclear graduates join the programme, with the opportunity to experience some of the UK’s nuclear infrastructure projects in three secondments over a two-year period, including positions in engineering, project controls and decommissioning. 

Bob Anstey, sector director, defence and nuclear energy at Costain, commented: “Attracting top class talent to our industry is a priority and it’s important that we collaborate with organisations like Energus to ensure we’re futureproofing our workforce so they can continue delivering this critical national infrastructure for our customers.  

“The candidates presented to us through the Nuclear Graduate programmes have been of a very high calibre and those joining us will obtain first-class experience of some of the UK’s biggest projects across defence and nuclear energy.”