Civil & Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Earn a salary. Gain a degree. Build real project experience — without the debt.
Northern Structural Services is recruiting for a Civil & Structural Engineering Apprentice to join our team and begin a Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship in September 2026.
This is an excellent route into civil and structural engineering for someone who wants to gain a degree, earn a salary and build meaningful practical experience from the start of their career, with the added benefit of avoiding student debt.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship is intended to lead to a JBM-accredited BEng Civil Engineering degree and professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
The degree is in civil engineering, but the role at NSS will also provide direct experience in structural engineering, which is a specialist area within the civil engineering profession. The qualification can also support future progression towards Chartered Engineer status for those who wish to pursue this.
Our offer
We are offering a structured degree apprenticeship role within an experienced civil and structural engineering consultancy.
The role will include:
- a starting salary of £21,000 per annum;
- anticipated salary progression to £24,000 per annum by Year 3, subject to satisfactory performance, university progression and annual review;
- a fully funded degree apprenticeship route, subject to eligibility and funding requirements;
- paid day-release study at university, normally one day per week during term time;
- one-to-one mentoring from experienced civil and structural engineers;
- direct involvement in real construction projects;
- site visits, meetings and practical project experience;
- support towards professional registration and long-term career development;
- 20 days’ annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays;
- employer pension contribution;
- Cycle to Work scheme.
Why choose a degree apprenticeship?
Whilst a traditional university route can be the right choice for many people, a degree apprenticeship offers a different path.
Instead of studying full-time and then looking for work after graduation, a degree apprentice works in practice while studying part-time. By the end of the programme, an NSS apprentice should have both an academic qualification and several years of practical experience.
This route is not an easier alternative to university. It requires commitment, organisation and a willingness to balance work, study and independent learning over several years. For the right person, it can be a highly rewarding way to enter the profession.
What you will do at NSS
The successful candidate will work alongside our engineers on a wide range of civil and structural engineering projects.
This may include:
- preparing drawings using AutoCAD, Revit and other design software;
- assisting with structural calculations and design work;
- helping develop civil engineering designs, including drainage, external works and SuDS;
- supporting structural design using steel, concrete, masonry and timber;
- attending site inspections with experienced engineers;
- assisting with structural reports, sketches and technical notes;
- learning how engineers communicate with architects, contractors, clients and other consultants;
- gaining exposure to specialist areas such as 3D modelling, analysis software, renewable energy infrastructure and onshore wind turbine foundations.
As an established consultancy, we can offer broad experience across different areas of civil and structural engineering. Our aim is to help the right candidate develop into a capable, well-rounded engineer with a strong understanding of both design and construction.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone who is naturally curious, conscientious and genuinely interested in buildings, structures and infrastructure. We are not expecting applicants to already understand engineering design, but we are looking for someone with the attitude, curiosity and commitment to learn.
This role may suit someone who:
- enjoys maths, physics, architecture, design, construction or problem-solving;
- wants to gain a degree without following the traditional full-time university route;
- is interested in both civil engineering and structural engineering;
- wants to learn through a combination of university study and practical project work;
- is willing to work hard and manage their time properly;
- enjoys learning and working with the latest design software;
- is comfortable asking questions, taking feedback and developing over time;
- wants to build a long-term career in engineering.
The role will require reliable travel to our office in Macclesfield and to university in Salford. Candidates should be realistic about the time-management and travel commitment involved.
Entry requirements
For this role, applicants should have GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above and GCSE English at grade 5 or above, or equivalent, together with suitable Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, BTEC, HNC/HND or other relevant qualifications.
Further education qualifications should ideally include a maths-based subject, ideally Maths and/or Physics, or relevant maths-based modules. Other relevant Level 3 qualifications may include architecture, surveying and graphic design.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate good numeracy, problem-solving ability and a genuine interest in civil or structural engineering.
Final appointment will be subject to acceptance onto the university programme, confirmation of funding eligibility and completion of the apprenticeship onboarding process.
Professional development
On successful completion of the apprenticeship and the relevant assessment requirements, the route is intended to lead to a JBM-accredited BEng Civil Engineering degree and professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Completion of the apprenticeship does not need to be the end of the journey. For someone who performs well and wants to continue developing, NSS can support further progression, including future development towards Chartered Engineer status.
How to apply
To apply, please send a CV and a short covering note explaining:
- why you are interested in civil or structural engineering, maximum 100 words;
- why a degree apprenticeship appeals to you, maximum 100 words;
- any relevant subjects, projects, hobbies, work experience or construction exposure, maximum 100 words.
Applications should be sent to: [email protected]
The next university intake is expected to start in September 2026, and time is limited. Early applications are encouraged.
Our selection process is likely to include an initial review of applications, an informal interview, and a further meeting with senior members of the team.
For strong candidates who are not ready for the 2026 intake, we are also happy to receive expressions of interest for future apprenticeship opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £21,000.00-£24,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Macclesfield SK10 1AU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
