- Recruitment drive comes amid major contract wins across its infrastructure sectors.
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has launched its early careers application process for 2026.
Costain recruits for graduates, apprenticeships, internships and university placements across its sectors, which include road, rail, integrated transport, energy, water, and defence and nuclear energy. Following a series of major contract wins, up to 170 positions will be available in a variety of disciplines, including civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, quantity surveying, finance, data development, digital development and project management.
Costain’s graduate programme lasts two years, whilst apprentices complete a programme lasting one to five years depending on the level of study. Costain also has a Graduates and Apprentices (GRaAPS) network to support professional and personal development. Costain’s internships and university placements last from three to 12 months, whilst work experience opportunities and T-Level placements are offered for school or college students.
Costain encourages its early careers professionals to ‘earn and learn’ and develop transferable skills within the workplace by covering the full cost of professional development charterships through industry bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Chemical Engineers and Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Costain is an inclusive employer who is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse, multidisciplined pool of talent. In 2025, 49% of Costain’s graduate cohort were from an ethnic minority background and over a third (36%) were female.
Catherine Warbrick, chief people and sustainability officer at Costain, said: “The industry requires more skilled workers than ever to service infrastructure projects that support a more prosperous, resilient and decarbonised UK, and we’re making long-term investments in our people to help meet this demand and provide an environment that offers high-skilled learning and development.”
“With a strong pipeline of work across our business, we’re looking for another cohort of collaborative, forward thinkers to ensure we have the capacity and capability to continue to deliver best in class solutions for our new and existing customers."
Catherine Warbrick Chief people and sustainability officer at Costain
"The GRaAPS network is designed to offer a sense of community and safe space for people to ask questions. It is always enjoyable meeting up with other graduates and apprentices and learning about the different types of work they are doing, which helps to make lasting connections across the business.”
Molly Keane Apprentice civil and structural engineer, and member of the GRaAPS network at Costain
The 2026 early careers vacancies have opened following a highly successful period of work winning for Costain across all sectors. This includes recent contract awards in the nuclear energy sector, where Costain secured a 15-year contract to deliver utilities infrastructure at Sellafield in Cumbria and to design Urenco’s advanced nuclear fuels production facility in Cheshire. Costain also has long-term AMP8 contracts in the water sector with Northumbrian Water and United Utilities.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
Costain’s graduate vacancies are now open and close in March. See how to apply here and the current vacancies here.
Apprenticeship vacancies will be open from February, whilst internship opportunities will open in April.
More information about a career at Costain is available via the Costain careers page.
Contact
Tom Mitchener
Senior PR Manager