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EngineeringConstruction

Lighting Design Apprentice - Manchester (2027 start)

AECOM
Location
Manchester
Salary
Competitive
Level
Level 3 – Advanced
Posted
8 October 2026
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths and English grade 4+, minimum 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above

Apprenticeships are open from age 16, once you have finished Year 11 (S4 in Scotland).

About the role

About the Role AECOM is looking for enthusiastic and motivated apprentices to join our Street Lighting team. You will support a diverse range of highway and infrastructure projects, helping to deliver street lighting and electrical solutions that improve safety, sustainability and the user experience across the built environment. Our work covers a wide range of street lighting and electrical engineering projects, from feasibility studies and preliminary design through to detailed design, construction support and asset replacement programmes. You will have the opportunity to gain experience across areas such as street lighting, traffic sign lighting, public realm lighting, highway electrical infrastructure, feeder pillars, electrical supplies, lighting controls and energy-efficient lighting systems. You will work alongside experienced engineers and technical professionals within multidisciplinary teams, gaining practical experience throughout the project lifecycle. Through a combination of on-the-job learning, formal training and mentoring, you will develop your technical knowledge, design skills and understanding of industry standards while working towards a recognised qualification and building a rewarding career lighting & electrical engineering. Your work may include: Assisting with the preparation of street lighting and electrical engineering drawings, layouts, technical documentation and project deliverables. Supporting the design and delivery of street lighting, traffic sign lighting and illuminated infrastructure projects. Assisting with site inspections, asset surveys, condition assessments and data collection activities. Supporting the preparation of lighting designs, calculations, specifications, schedules and technical reports. Helping to collect, analyse and interpret lighting, electrical and project-related data. Assisting with the design and implementation of street lighting systems, electrical supplies, feeder pillars, cabling networks and associated infrastructure. Supporting projects for local authorities, National Highways and private sector clients across highways, public realm and transport schemes. Gaining exposure to lighting design software such as Lighting Reality, AGi32 & Trimble Pro Design as well as digital engineering tools and emerging smart city technologies. Supporting sustainable infrastructure projects, including energy-efficient LED lighting, adaptive lighting controls and carbon reduction initiatives. Participating in site visits, design reviews, client meetings and discussions with contractors and other project stakeholders. Working collaboratively with engineers, designers and other technical professionals across multidisciplinary project teams. Maintaining accurate project records and supporting general project administration activities. Developing an understanding of relevant standards, guidance and legislation, including BS 5489, BS EN 13201, ILP PLG's, National Highways requirements and industry best practice. This role is ideal for school leavers with GCSEs or equivalent qualifications who can demonstrate: A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English. A genuine interest in street lighting, electrical infrastructure and transportation engineering, with a desire to develop a career in the industry. An aptitude for technical subjects, engineering design and problem-solving. An interest in developing skills in areas such as lighting design, CAD, digital engineering, electrical systems and highway infrastructure. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to completing tasks and solving technical challenges. Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, clients and other project stakeholders. The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while demonstrating initiative and accountability when working independently. Enthusiasm, adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills and take on new challenges. A creative and practical approach to problem-solving. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including working towards a relevant engineering qualification or professional membership with the ILP or IET.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English. A genuine interest in street lighting, electrical infrastructure and transportation engineering. An aptitude for technical subjects, engineering design and problem-solving. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to completing tasks. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while demonstrating initiative and accountability. Enthusiasm, adaptability and willingness to learn new skills. A creative and practical approach to problem-solving. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Skills

Street lighting designElectrical engineeringCADLighting design software (Lighting Reality, AGi32, Trimble Pro Design)Digital engineering toolsTechnical drawing and documentationData collection and analysisProblem-solvingAttention to detailMicrosoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Written and verbal communicationTeamwork and collaborationSite inspection and surveys

Required qualifications

Essential
GCSE · Mathematics · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4
If this one works out

This role is in Manchester. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £550–£800 a month.

What rent could you afford?Moving to ManchesterRenting at 18