RPS is looking for Graduates to join our Economic Planning Graduate Programme 2025 within the wider National Planning & Infrastructure Team, based in Abingdon or Manchester. By joining us, you will be part of a leading global multi-disciplinary consultancy. We specialise in all areas of the built and natural environment, shaping the future of our environmental, social and economic landscapes.

We’re RPS, our projects are all around you. We define, design and manage projects that create shared value to a complex, urbanising and resource-scarce world. Our people are our success. We need people who share our passion on solving the problems that matter. And where you’ll be supported every step of the way. Here is where you come to build a career.

What you’ll be doing

You will be working with a team of highly knowledgeable consultants giving you the opportunity to develop your skill set and progress your career. You’ll be trained in providing support and assistance across a range of projects and technical areas. You will provide consultancy advice to our clients, contributing towards the success of the team through the effective delivery of projects and ensuring development of key client relationships.

The Economic Planning Graduate Programme has a particular focus on the social and economic impacts of development and the successful graduate will become a specialist in development viability and environmental impact assessment.

Who we’re looking for

To be considered for our graduate programme you will need to be on course for achieving a relevant degree on one of the following:

  • An RTPI accredited Master’s Degree with an underlying undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as Geography, Politics/Public Policy, Architecture, History, Economics etc (this list is not exhaustive)
  • An RTPI accredited 3+1 Planning Degree (undergraduate/post-graduate or sandwich)
  • An undergraduate (at 2.1 or above) in Surveying, Property or Planning that is not RTPI recognised or in Geography, Economics, Politics or Applied Mathematics. Candidates under these criteria will be expected to perform above the average in the selection process. Those successful will be supported in securing the necessary qualifications for RTPI accreditation under the RTPI’s degree Apprenticeship scheme (Entry Point 2).

We encourage and value different ideas, perspectives, and styles of thinking. We need a mix of experiences and skills to develop the most innovative ideas to positively shape the impacts of our clients’ projects. We are looking out for people who take opportunities, those who are keen to learn and develop, intelligent risk takers who are not scared to try new things, and who adapt and move quickly.

What’s in it for you?

At RPS we work as one team to achieve exceptional outcomes and, joining the Graduate Scheme is no different. From early on in your career you will have exposure to sustainable projects. Building the foundations of a consultancy career by growing skills, knowledge, and behaviours; and building experience and achievements into real expertise.

We are an accredited training provider – from entry level to master’s degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring, we support learning and development for everyone.

A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you’ll be supported as far as you want to go We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.

Applications

As part of the selection process, it is mandatory to upload a CV and Covering Letter as we will not process your application without one. In your covering letter we want to know why you are interested in RPS and the discipline you are applying against. We would also like to know a little about you as an individual.

What happens next?

If this opportunity suits your career journey, we’d love to hear from you.

Our closing date for graduate applications is January 3 rd 2025. There could be a possibility that we close earlier if we have volume applications. We would recommend for you to get an application in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you are successful, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre. The assessment centre will be an opportunity to spend time with your recruiter and other applicants being considered for the role. This is your chance to show us your best in a series of activities as well as an opportunity for you to learn more about RPS.

As part of the assessment centre, you will have an interview. This will be an opportunity to meet the team who you could be working with. You will be able to showcase your relevant skills and suitability for the role and, ask any questions on how the team works and what to expect in the role day to day.

RPS, A Tetra Tech company

Representing an exciting new chapter in our business, on 24 January 2023 RPS became a Tetra Tech company. With 28,000 employees in more than 550 offices in more than 120 countries on seven continents, Tetra Tech is a leading, global provider of consulting and engineering services.

As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to offer our people market-leading development and project opportunities, helping to solve some of the world’s most complex problems.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Mindful that a truly inclusive organization must make appropriate use of talent on a global basis and without unnecessary barriers, we are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion principles in all People processes in order to be as diverse as the communities and clients we work with, thereby securing, developing, and retaining the best available talent for the company’s future.

Our approach to Diversity and inclusion

Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.

‘Stronger Together’ is one of our five core behaviours and it is inherent in creating an inclusive workplace: ‘We are respectful, acknowledge diversity, and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. We bring out the best in one another, always assuming best intent. People who learn and grow thrive in our business, sharing in our success.’