Project Management Graduate Programme

Programme title: Project Management Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Various locations across the UK, including Plymouth, Bristol, Warrington and Cheltenham in England, as well as HM Naval Base Clyde and Rosyth in Scotland. 

Application closing date: 16 October 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67368 

What will you do on the programme?

Project Management at Babcock is all about making things happen. Whether you're supporting the design and manufacture of cutting-edge technology, coordinating large-scale infrastructure upgrades or helping teams meet critical deadlines, you'll be right at the heart of it.

You’ll get to work on a wide variety of projects across different parts of the business. One month you could be helping to shape the delivery plan for a major defence programme, the next, you might be managing risks, supporting a bid, or gathering updates from colleagues in engineering, finance or procurement. All of which will help you build the confidence, awareness and practical skills needed to grow into a successful project manager.

Whatever the challenge, you’ll be learning how to keep complex work on track. You’ll also start building strong relationships with people across the business, developing the kind of network that will support you for years to come.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme built around four six-month placements across the UK. 

You’ll move between different sectors and locations, discover how each part of the business operates and see how it all connects. Over the course of your placements, you could find yourself working supporting teams in our Marine, Nuclear or Land sectors. 

It’s a chance to see the bigger picture, build a broad skillset and find out where your strengths lie, giving you a great launchpad for your future career.

As you progress, you’ll take on more responsibility and work towards formal qualifications through the Association for Project Management. You’ll be supported to complete both your PFQ (Project Fundamentals Qualification) and your PMQ (Project Management Qualification) and apply what you learn directly to live projects.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

To help you progress toward Chartered status with the Association for Project Management, we offer full guidance and cover all associated fees.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from: 

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.  

What do you need to apply?

• You’ll need a 2:2 or above in any degree. We’re particularly looking for graduates in project management, but we also welcome applicants with a strong interest in the field and transferable skills such as problem solving, leadership and teamwork.
• Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC), and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Our Project Management programme for Autumn 2026 is part of our Group Graduate Programme. 

Over the course of the programme, you’ll complete four six-month placements across our business. Current placement locations include Plymouth, Bristol, Warrington and Cheltenham in England, as well as HM Naval Base Clyde and Rosyth in Scotland.

We’ll ask for your location preferences during the application process and we will do our best to balance your choices with the needs of the business.

Please note: the majority of Project Management placements and post-scheme roles are based in the South West. Due to the breadth of sectors at our Plymouth site, a small number of graduates may be based there for the full duration of the programme.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.