Careers at Colas Rail | Graduate Opportunities

We have an outstanding track record of developing careers and fast-tracking career prospects, with 25% of our current leaders in our Rail Infrastructure division successfully completing our critically acclaimed Graduate Schemes.

At Colas Rail UK, we are proud to invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators within the rail industry. Our Graduate Programmes have been carefully designed to nurture and develop talent, offering a dynamic launchpad into a rewarding career.

Many of our current leaders have been through our Graduate Programmes, and we are proud of the fantastic career opportunities that they bring through a shared commitment to development.

Whether you are an aspiring engineer, future project manager or business leader, our Graduate Programmes will foster the skills, exposure and support needed to accelerate your career within an industry at the forefront of sustainable transport solutions.

We believe in developing passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference and join us on our journey; to apply for our Graduate Programmes, we a looking for at least a 2:2 degree, a story that makes you to stand out and a pioneering spirit to invest in your future.

Find out more about our Graduate Programme

Gemma Simmonds our Head of Careers and Development tells you about the journey to success, and what you need to apply.

Our Graduate Programmes

Future Project Management/Operational
Programme

A 3-year (2 years, plus a year of mentorship) route to project management, this Graduate programme is linked to the Association of Project Management, with the possibility of international opportunities, within one of our three UK divisions (Rail Infrastructure, Rail Services or Urban).

Working in the Project Management Graduate Programme requires a large amount of flexibility and a great team spirit. You will be working with our senior managers to complete various projects, from relaying track with our Infrastructure division, working on a multidisciplinary project such as the high profile High Speed 2 project or Birmingham Tram extensions, or supporting delivery in our Freight or On Track Plant team, and anything in-between. There will be a great variety in your activities, from technical work to client engagement, combined with a large amount of on-site work, shifts and nights.

Application criteria:
We accept applications from graduates from any discipline, and experience in the rail industry is not required. What we are looking for is people who show a real passion for a career in rail and who share and demonstrate our values. You must have/be on track to receive at least a 2:2 degree.

Commercial Graduate Programme

A 3-year (2 years, plus a year of mentorship) route to quantity surveying, this programme has a distinct focus on the Commercial side of our business. Here you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills by working towards becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (QS). Many commercial graduates who join us are new to quantity surveying and didn’t study it at university, if this is you, then you will be supported to gain a conversion course (an MSc) to become chartered as part of the development scheme.

You will be working closely with our Commercial team but also the experienced operational managers and senior leaders, supporting areas such as the delivery of our pre-contract work, the management of existing and the mobilising new contracts and client management in one of our divisions such as Rail Services, Rail Infrastructure or Urban.

Application criteria:
We accept applications from graduate quantity surveyors, but we also accept applications from any other degree discipline. What we look for is that you are showing a real interest in a commercial career in the rail industry. You must have/be on track to receive at least a 2:2 degree.

Engineering Graduate
Programme

As with our other programmes, the Engineering Graduate Programme is a 3-year (2 years, plus a year of mentorship) route to becoming a vital member of our technical engineering teams. As part of the Technical Graduate Programme you will work in a technical and operational role with a distinct focus on the engineering side of our business, working closely with our experienced engineers and senior management team on improving the UK rail systems in divisions such as Rail Services, Rail Infrastructure or Urban.

You will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills and to work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer in one of our many disciplines: Civils & P-Way (Track), Electrical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering Surveying.

Application criteria:
We accept applications from graduates who have studied a range of engineering disciplines. Where a specialism is required for a role, this will be shared in the advert for the role. Showcasing a strong desire to pursue your technical development in the railway industry is key here, we want to hear what it is about rail engineering that you are so passionate about.

“I love the Graduate & Apprentice Programmes. I‘ve grown up with the business, as their first Graduate, and I feel immense pride in reflecting where we’ve been, the contracts and schemes delivered and also how the business has grown.”

Will Bryant
Deputy Alliance Director – Infrastructure

Recruitment Process

When applying for a position within our Graduate Programme, your application will go through several stages. We have put together this overview to help guide you through the process.

Stage 1 – Online Application

Whether you have seen an opportunity for one of our roles on an external website or our own website, you will need to make an application through our online recruitment portal. You will need to upload your cover letter and CV, and we will ask you some questions so that we can get to know you better. This is your opportunity to share with us why this role is perfect for you!

Stage 2 – Gamification: Psychometric Ability Testing and Personality Testing

For this stage we use an online gamification tool, via Artic Shores, which helps us to understand what you do best! This isn’t about answering numerous questions but engaging in up to nine tasks (the number of tasks you will undertake will depend on the role you have applied to) which gives us an insight into your thought processes and motivations. We want to you to find this a valuable experience, so once you have finished your assessment you will receive feedback on the natural behaviours you showcased to us.

Stage 3 – Assessment Centre

If you are successful in progressing to the next stage of our recruitment process, this is where you will receive an invitation to an assessment centre, and we will get to meet in person. Here, you can showcase your ability and meet some of your potential new colleagues face-to-face. This is also an opportunity to hear from key leaders and current graduates and apprentices from across our business; the aim being to provide you with a real insight into what it’s like to work for Colas Rail UK. Dependant on the role you are applying for, there may be a follow up interview stage post assessment centre.

Final Stage – An Offer is Made!

The final stage of our recruitment process is the offer stage, where successful candidates will be contacted by our Early Careers team and invited to join Colas Rail UK. Excitingly, this stage marks the beginning of your journey with us, and we will share with you what you can expect as you begin the onboarding process with us!

Please note:

To be eligible for any of our schemes you need to have a full Right to Work in the UK – we can not sponsor individuals in their application for a UK visa.

Stance on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At Colas Rail UK, our mission is to deliver excellence through pioneering innovation, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to safety. We proudly welcome new technologies that help us to lead the way in the rail industry and we recognise the value that AI has in helping us push boundaries and innovate with ambition.

However, our success is built not only on innovation, but also on people. It is the passion, respect and dedication of every team member that sets us apart. We pride ourselves on our inclusive, supportive culture, where every individual’s contribution matters and every voice is heard. Integrity, authenticity and respect are fundamental to how we operate and grow together.

AI in the Recruitment Process

We recognise AI’s place in supporting you to make a great application to us, but when it comes to your application, we really want to hear your authentic voice – your real thoughts, experiences and ambitions – not just an answer generated by AI. We encourage you to take the time to reflect on your experiences and respond in your own words. Show us how you live our values and what inspires you to join us on our journey. By sharing your authentic self, you’ll help us build a team that truly represents the diversity, integrity and passion of our industry.
In return. we make a commitment to you that your application will be looked at by a human; someone who will take the time to build a picture of who you are and how you could contribute to our teams. We want that picture to be a true reflection of you, so use technology to enhance your story, but don’t be tempted to let it write it for you. After all, the genuine you could be just who we are looking for!

Whilst AI is a powerful tool, we don’t believe that it replaces the qualities we value most. We’re looking for people (real people!) who are ready to make a difference; who will bring their unique perspective and personality to Colas Rail UK, and who will leave a legacy that lasts for generations.

Hear from our Graduates about their experience!

Meet James, an Overhead Line Technical Engineer who is involved with a number of works with the South Rail Systems Alliance.

Meet Jack, an Assistant Project Manager with the South Rail Systems Alliance.

Our people are our greatest asset

At Colas Rail, we’re united behind three key values that drive our culture and are our guiding principles for everything we do.

Care

Every day, we demonstrate our care for the people that make everything we do possible. We prioritise care for each other, our partners, the environment, and our own wellbeing.

The unique talents, experiences and personalities across Colas Rail aren’t just recognised – they’re encouraged and shared at every level. That’s where new ideas and innovation is born.

Dare

As an international leader, we dare to take on responsibilities and drive industry-wide transformation. And we trust our daring teams to take on new challenges and large-scale projects.