Graduate scheme and placements

Graduate scheme

Placements

Graduate scheme

Our graduate scheme provides the opportunity to experience exciting projects that make a real difference. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll take on responsibilities from the start, gain valuable skills, and shape a career you’ll genuinely enjoy. We’re here to support your every step as you learn, grow and thrive playing a pivotal part in building the future of infrastructure.

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Who can join the graduate scheme?

How can I join the Graduate scheme?

Once successfully completed your degree, you’ll join the graduate development scheme.

You can also join the scheme while studying for your degree by completing on-the-job training during a summer or industrial placement.

The scheme offers a wide range of structured training designed to support your chosen career pathway.

The graduate programme runs between 2-3 years, and we will dedicate the time and resources needed for your career foundation, including professional development, practical and technical experience along with placements around the business You’ll be supported by peers and colleagues and will also develop relationships with subject matter mentors, who support with your development goals and gaining membership of the relevant professional body.

What are the requirements?

Relevant degree qualification at 2:1 or above, energy and enthusiasm to succeed
We will consider transferrable skills, in line with our structured experience.

"Octavius was recommended by a family friend shortly after my graduation. The interview really set Octavius apart from other similar companies I had applied to. From the very beginning, I could tell it was a company that valued its staff and was people oriented."
Henry Paveley - Assistant Site Manager
"The company’s commitment to professional development, particularly through the ICE training scheme, was a major factor in my decision when applying for a graduate scheme. Since joining, I’ve been able to sign off my ICE IPD training agreement within 2 years, take on site manager responsibilities, and even contribute to talent development by creating the Young People’s Network. The mix of practical experience, structured support, and leadership exposure made this the ideal place to start my career."
Lewis Moores - Assistant Site Manager

Placements

Industrial Placements provide the opportunity to gain experience personally and professionally, whilst you study.

Our placement programme will allow you to gain valuable insight into a working environment aligned with your studies. You will work alongside experienced mentors who will support development and technical skills working on real live projects.

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What placements do you offer?

Year-in-Industry placements

Our Year-in-Industry placements last 12 months and are suitable for undergraduate students. We offer opportunities across the UK in engineering, commercial, project management and business management.

Summer placements

Our summer placements are suitable for first- and second-year undergraduate students and last for 8 weeks. You will earn a salary whilst gaining exposure to projects in key areas.

"My journey with Octavius began in September 2015 when I joined as a trainee engineer on my industrial placement year from Portsmouth University. After completing my industrial placement, I gained further experience through several summer placements before returning as a graduate engineer in 2018. The graduate scheme was particularly appealing because of its exposure to a wide range of roles, from site experience to planning, estimating, and design. This variety of experience allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set and helped me identify the areas in engineering where I could make the most impact."

Jack Cottrell - Senior Technical Manager, Engineering