Leaving school, changing direction or starting your career? Our programmes are designed to help the next generation of built environment professionals learn, grow and find the right path.
Apply now
Built around your development, we support your growth with real-world experience and a clear path from graduate to confident professional.
At Ridge, you’ll receive outstanding professional support whatever degree you come to us with. During your initial two-year Evolve development programme, you’ll learn through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), masterclasses and networking sessions — while developing professional skills such as communication and time management. You’ll be supported by a dedicated network of the Future Talent team, line managers and peers throughout your journey, helping you naturally grow in confidence.
If you already have a related qualification, we can guide you towards professional chartership and if your background is unrelated, you might decide to start a degree in your chosen discipline. Either way, we’ll support you throughout, so when your two-year Evolve programme ends, you’ll be equipped to step confidently into your next role, ready to shape the career you want.
Entry criteria
- Any bachelor’s degree 2:2 or above
- Ready to start full-time from Autumn 2026
In return
Rewards
- Salary £26-32k
- Permanent contract
- 25 days paid annual leave
- Excellent benefits
Opportunities
- 14 UK locations
- Multiple disciplines
- Continual learning
- Early client contact
- Diverse client base
- Volunteering days
Apply now
Apply now
Our fee-free, fully supported degree apprenticeship is a professional launchpad into the Built Environment – designed for school leavers, career changers or returners.
This two-year development programme combines real-world experience and professional support to accelerate your learning and personal growth, while you study towards your degree. Your confidence and knowledge will build through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), networking and masterclasses and you’ll be fully supported by our Future Talent Team, dedicated line managers, mentors, peers and your education provider.
At the end of the Elevate programme, you’ll have a great sense of professional progress and personal achievement which will benefit you as your studies continue towards your degree and chartership — fully funded by Ridge.
Entry criteria
- This depends on your chosen discipline, so explore them here.
In return
Rewards
- Salary £18-22k
- Permanent contract
- 25 days paid annual leave
- Excellent benefits
Opportunities
- 14 UK locations
- Multiple disciplines
- Continual learning
- Early client contact
- Diverse client base
- Volunteering days
Apply now
What is the Built Environment?
The Built Environment is the human-made spaces and structures that support how and where we live, work and play. It’s everything from individual buildings to entire cities and the infrastructure that connects them.
What can you do?
Click a discipline below to find your fit… or search here using ‘graduate’ or ‘apprentice’ for more opportunities.
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Architecture
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Building surveying
Curious about how buildings work and why they change over time?
Building surveyors inspect properties, identify issues and help clients plan repairs, improvements and new uses across a building’s life.
With a mix of office and site work, no two days are the same. It’s a great choice if you enjoy variety, investigating how things work and finding practical solutions. You’ll work closely with clients from an early stage of your career, get involved in projects from concept to completion and build the skills and experience you need to progress towards professional chartership.
I look back at the surveyor I was less than six months ago and I’m vastly better because of the experience and support I’ve been given, which I can then give to others.
– Luke Johnson, Graduate Building Surveyor, London
More about building surveying
What subjects or skills help?
- Maths
- Geography
- Design technology
- Communication and organisation skills
Typical career path
Apprentice →
Building surveyor →
Senior building surveyor →
Associate → Partner
Evolve for graduates - what's needed?
Related (but non-essential) graduate degrees:
- Building surveying
- Quantity surveying
- Architecture
- Facilities management
- Law
Elevate for apprentices - what's needed?
Degree Apprenticeship:
Chartered surveyor (RICS building surveying pathway)
Entry requirement (any of the below):
- A levels BCC
- Advanced apprenticeship in Surveying or an advanced apprenticeship in Construction Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma (minimum DD profile) or Extended Diploma (minimum MMM profile).
and
- GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English
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Building services engineering
Our Building Services Engineers get to the heart of a client’s brief, applying an in-depth understanding of the needs and operation of every building.
You’ll join a team that adopts innovative methods to deliver best-in-class solutions for a wide range of clients. We focus on minimising carbon emissions and reducing energy consumption to meet regulations and support the all-critical sustainability agenda.
More about building services engineering
Entry requirements
Evolve for graduates
Related (but non-essential) graduate degrees:
- Building Services
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
Elevate for apprentices
Degree Apprenticeship:
Building Services Design Engineer
Entry requirement (any of the below):
- A Levels BBB (including Mathematics and a Science, preferably either Chemistry or Physics)
- T-level (‘merit’ or above) in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject area, with ‘merit’ or above in
- Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics
- Building Services Engineering Technician level 3 apprenticeship
- DD alongside grade Pass or
- Distinction at EPA
and
- 5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
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Civil engineering
The Ridge team of Civil Engineers has an exceptional track record, delivering successful outcomes for clients.
Always ensuring the efficient use of financial, human and natural resources, they consistently drive maximum project value. This is a team that supports its clients at various stages of a project lifecycle, focused on infrastructure that surrounds our everyday lives.
This means you’ll be involved in combining conceptual and detailed design with topographical and measured site surveys, project management, contract administration, site supervision and resident engineer services.
More about civil engineering
Entry requirements
Evolve for graduates
Related (but non-essential) graduate degrees:
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transport Planning
- Geography
- Mathematics
Elevate for apprentices
Degree Apprenticeship:
Civil Engineer
Entry requirement (any of the below):
- A Level BBB (ideally must include Mathematics and a Science in either Chemistry or Physics)
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
- DDM in an Engineering subject area (minimum of merit in Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics)
- Civil Engineering Technician level 3 apprenticeship DD alongside grade Pass or Distinction at EPA
and
- 5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
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Cost management
Cost Managers are integral to the development process, engaging with teams and the supply chain to challenge and inform design choices and drive efficiency at every stage.
Joining the Cost Management team will immerse you in Building Information Modelling (BIM), whole life costing, environmental and sustainable solutions, and value and risk management processes. You’ll be involved in helping clients identify opportunities to maximise value and manage risk, securing funding streams and offering enhanced capital allowance advice.
More about cost management
Entry requirements
Evolve for graduates
Related (but non-essential) graduate degrees:
- Quantity Surveying
- Construction Project Management
- Building Surveying
- Architecture
Elevate for apprentices
Degree Apprenticeship:
Chartered Surveyor (RICS Quantity Surveying and Construction Pathway)
Entry requirement (any of the below):
- A Levels BCC
- Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction
- Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained.
and
- 5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
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Project management
Our Project Managers provide strong and decisive leadership at every project stage: from inception and briefing, through design, planning, procurement and construction, closing the journey out with completion and post-contract care.
You’ll work collaboratively with clients and supply chains, helping facilitate a project team ethos where everyone contributes towards achieving the very best solutions.
More about project management
Entry requirements
Evolve for graduates
Related (but non-essential) graduate degrees:
- Project Management
- Construction Project Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Business Studies
- Building Surveying
- Architecture
Elevate for apprentices
Degree Apprenticeship:
- Chartered Surveyor (RICS
- Project Management Pathway)
or
Entry requirement (any of the below):
- A Levels BCC
- Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or
- Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical through
which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained.
and
- 5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
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Structural engineering
Our Structural Engineers craft practical, elegant and economical structural design solutions.
You’ll be part of a team that explores building and infrastructure solutions to optimise the performance of the foundations, frames and façades, and quantify the implications for energy usage and environmental impact. Our Engineers also use the latest analytical and 3D modelling software to quickly and efficiently develop and test design options.
More about structural engineering
Entry requirements
Evolve for graduates
Related (but non-essential) graduate degrees:
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transport Planning
- Geography
- Mathematics
Elevate for apprentices
Degree Apprenticeship:
Civil Engineer
Entry requirement (any of the below):
- A Level BBB (ideally must include Mathematics and a Science in either Chemistry or Physics)
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject area (minimum of merit in
- Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics)
- Civil Engineering Technician level 3 apprenticeship DD alongside grade Pass or Distinction at EPA
and
- 5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
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Planning
Our specialist planning team at Ridge works with landowners, developers and public sector organisations throughout the UK. We help shape places, delivering expert advice and solutions that turn our clients’ visions into reality.
As a graduate planner with us, you’ll be actively involved working directly with clients from day one, as part of a collaborative team. You’ll contribute to diverse, high-profile projects that create a lasting impact on local communities and the built environment. Our structured APC training programme will guide you towards your MRTPI qualification, setting you up for a rewarding and successful career.
I’m currently working on a couple of supported living applications, and those are the schemes where you feel you’re genuinely making a difference. Getting them approved enables adults with additional needs to live more independently, which makes the work feel incredibly rewarding.
– Cleo Jefferies, Graduate Planner, Cheltenham
More about planning
Entry requirements
Evolve for graduates
Related (but non-essential) graduate degrees:
- Town Planning
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Geography / Human Geography
- Sustainable Planning
- Urban Design
- Transportation
- Housing and Community Planning
- Infrastructure Planning and Sustainable Development
- Historic Conservation
Hear from our people
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I've worked on a variety of projects across different sectors, from Formula 1 to conservation work. We're currently working with Blenheim Palace on a painting restoration project. It's not something I ever thought I'd work on.”
Lilly Amies
Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, Oxford
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There's so much support, not just from your line manager but from people across the business. If something interests you, the response is usually 'go for it.' I really like that freedom to learn a bit more outside of your job.”
Aurora Okusanya
Apprentice Data Analyst, Manchester
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When I was still relatively new, I got involved in setting up the social committee in the Cardiff office. We've organised everything from bowling to charity hikes, including the Welsh Three Peaks which raised more than £2,000.”
Jamie Rogers
Graduate Structural Engineer, Cardiff
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When I was a first-year degree apprentice, I chaired progress meetings on one of the projects I was working on, which felt very rewarding. You’re not just getting hands-on experience, you're fully integrated into projects and get meaningful roles within them.”
Zafer Ahmed
Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, London
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We have regular breakfast sessions with different discipline leads across the business, which gives you an insight into what other teams are working on. It's helped me understand not just planning, but how my role fits within our interdisciplinary approach.”
Cleo Jefferies
Graduate Planner, Cheltenham
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You're not babied here, and that's what I love about Ridge. They give you that independence and expect you to be responsible for yourself, which has helped me grow tenfold as a project manager.”
Clare Court
Graduate Project Manager, Liverpool
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I started with no engineering experience at all. Everyone in the team was really supportive in helping me understand the regulations and develop my engineering design skills.”
Jacob Blannin
Apprentice Civil Engineer, Cardiff
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Even if you're just making a brew in the kitchen, you can strike up a conversation with anyone. Through Next Gen, a development programme for young professionals at Ridge, I've had the chance to meet senior people across the business.”
Jennifer Hewitt
Apprentice MEP Engineer, Manchester
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No two days are the same. One day I might be taking minutes or preparing agendas, and the next I could be visiting client sites in Scotland, Cornwall or Wales. It varies so much.”
Luke Johnson
Graduate Building Surveyor, London
What sets us apart
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Progress with purpose
We'll challenge you to reach your full potential with a top-to-toe plan that develops your professional, technical and personal skills - delivered by people who care.
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Wellbeing built in
Proudly named one of the UK's Best Workplaces for Wellbeing (Great Place to Work UK), our inclusive culture supports you to thrive without barriers.
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Greener by design
We lead, collaborate and embed Net Zero Carbon principles into all that we do - whether under our own roof or on our clients' projects.
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Time to unwind
From darts to mountain climbs and charity fundraisers, our social events bring everyone together to relax, connect and enjoy time beyond the desk.
Six steps to your new career
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Application online
Mid-December 2025
You’re over the starting line! This will give us a clearer picture of what you’re all about.
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Assessment
January 2026
An invitation to an assessment means you can be sure you’ll have a chance to find out all about us - and of course, us about you!
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Interview
February 2026
As our values are an important aspect of life at Ridge, we’ll use this time to make sure we’re all on the same page.
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Offer
March 2026
Yes, we have a perfect fit! The day is here when we’ll make you an offer to come and join us
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Onboarding
Summer 2026
The hard work’s done so now we make sure the build-up to Day One in the office is smooth.
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Start
Autumn 2026
We’ll welcome successful apprentices in September and graduates in October.
Your
Future Talent
journey starts
here
If you have any questions about Elevate or Evolve, get in touch or
Equal oppurtunties
Ridge is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law.
