Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)

Role: Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)

Start date: September 2026

Additional information:

• Site-based role
• Based in Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of 2-year programme
• Block release at the University of Highlands and Islands

About Us
Murphy is a leading international, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company founded in 1951 that improves life by delivering world-class infrastructure. Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America, Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, power and natural resources. We also have a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Murphy Plant; Murphy Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services; and Electrical Services. Murphy employs more than 4,300 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world. Together, we work as ‘One Murphy’ by directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success. There’s more to Murphy.

Project
The Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) upgrade framework includes a programme of overhead lines, underground cables and substations in order to redevelop the transmission network in the north of Scotland between now and 2030.

The allocation of work for Murphy includes the design and construction of two new 400kv substations in Spittal and Loch Buidhe and the delivery of 85km of Overhead Line (OHL). Additionally, the conceptual design phase of our design contract was pivotal in supporting SSEN’s Planning Consent submission to the Scottish Government.

Our contributions in this framework are integral to SSEN’s broader Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) Pathway to 2030 programme, which aims to bolster green energy production, enhance our national network resilience, and upgrade the transmission infrastructure by the end of the decade.

Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme
Murphy are looking to recruit the next generation of civil engineers. We are looking to appoint highly motivated apprentices with strong aspirations to pursue an engineering career within a leading UK civil engineering & construction organisation. Our civil engineering works cover a wide range of engineering activities, such as tunnelling, rail projects, heavy civils, drainage works, bridge repair and replacements.

Working as an apprentice civil engineer you will learn how to be responsible for the daily control, management, and coordination of construction activities on site to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the required safety, environmental and quality standards. Your responsibilities will increase throughout the duration of the apprenticeship programme as your skills and technical knowledge develop. You will be supported throughout by your assigned apprenticeship mentor, in conjunction with your university apprenticeship tutor, to ensure you gain the right mix of skills and experience to successfully complete your apprenticeship.

As a Civil Engineer apprentice, you will be placed on the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) upgrade framework, where you will be exposed to:

• Dimensional control of site works. 
• Understanding engineering requirements of a project.
• Planning of site activities.
• Reading of site documents: Site drawings, specifications, standards.
• Working alongside our project engineers and construction managers to Learn how to develop and produce construction strategies and sequences. 
• Assisting with quality control checks 
• Learning how to undertake site inspections.
• Understand and review project documents ie: Health and safety documents

Key responsibilities will include:

• Working alongside our project engineers and construction managers
• Learn how to develop and produce construction strategies and sequences
• Learning how to undertake concept design and site inspections of temporary works
• Assisting with scope reviews of civil and structural tenders
• Assisting in providing design and remedial solutions
• Learning how to Review and prepare risk assessments and method statements
• Establishing and maintaining secondary dimensional control
• Developing Knowledge of as-built surveys
• Checking dimensions of major elements and critical interfaces
• Monitoring surveying and setting out of subcontractors, ensuring best practice 
• Raising Non-Conformance Reports
• Monitoring subcontractors to ensure compliance with method statements and inspection test plans 
• Assisting with quality control checks
• Assisting package and construction managers with quality issues arising on site.

What qualification will I receive through the apprenticeship?
As part of this apprenticeship, dependent on the qualifications you have already obtained, you will follow either a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship with one of our partner universities.

Where will I be based on the apprenticeship?
The position is based in North Scotland (Inverness) with work predominantly across the Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of the programme. Due to the remote locations of some of our sites, applicants must be willing to travel as required.  Full UK driving licence is required.    

What do I need to be considered for the apprenticeship?
For entry onto the Modern or Graduate apprenticeship you must have attained the following:

• National 5 Maths & English at grade A-C
• You will be considered for entry onto the Graduate apprenticeship if you have also attained or will have attained by September 25, one of the following
• Higher Maths & 1 other STEM subject minimum grade C
• NC Civil Engineering (SCQF 6)

You don’t need to have previous experience for the role, but you do need to be ready to learn, have a positive mindset and a can-do attitude!

Eligible to work in the UK with a valid work permit if applicable. Please note, that we do not provide sponsorship.

Above all, we need people who will adopt our values and strive to live them:

• One Family, One Team, One Murphy 
• Always Deliver 
• Respect, Integrity & Accountability  
• Never Harm 
• Continually Improve 

What you’ll get in return

• Dedicated and continued investment in your professional development.
• Murphy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture, making Murphy a great place to work where we can all thrive. You can get involved in numerous events and even join our committee dedicated to continuously nurturing Murphy’s inclusive culture. 
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays with the option to buy an additional 2 days holiday each year, holidays increase with length of service
• Charity is at the heart of Murphy values; you will receive 2 days leave per year to donate your time to a charity of your choosing. Many teams choose to support a charity together to positively impact our communities. 
• Discretionary annual bonus and annual salary review
• Above market rate contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance, health screening and enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay and a maternity returners bonus
• Extra weeks holiday for all employees getting married and a wedding bonus
• Subsidised canteen facilities in core locations
• Other Murphy benefits include retail discounts and cashback, discounted gym memberships, cycle to work scheme etc
• Access to Murphy Wellbeing: you will have access to a host of online tools, mental health trained colleagues, and if needs be external professional support because we understand that work and life offers challenges that sometimes need a little extra support.

Our Recruitment Process
Our recruitment process consists of three stages:

1. Application including a CV
2. Online interactive exercise (Graduate apprenticeship only)
3. In-person interview

It’s important to us that everybody has an equal chance to succeed, therefore if you'd like to discuss any reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process, please feel free to get in touch at emergingtalent@murphygroup.co.uk.

Please note: Should we receive a high volume of suitable applications we may choose to close our opportunities early. Therefore, to avoid missing out, we do recommend you submit your application asap.

Murphy is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.