Engineering
Civil Engineer Apprentice - Highlands
Murphy · University of Highlands & Islands
Location
Inverness, Scotland
Postcode
IV17 0PH
Salary
£21,900 per year
Hours per week
40h
Positions available
5
Application deadline
1 October 2026
Posted
28 August 2026
Minimum grades
National 5 Maths & English grade A-C; Higher Maths & 1 STEM subject minimum grade C (for Graduate apprenticeship)
About the role
Start date: September 2027
Site-based role
Based in Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of your programme
Block release at the University of Highlands and Islands
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, Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, energy and natural resources. We also have a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Plant; Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services and Electrical Services. Murphy employs more than 4,700 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 27, 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 and 3 years residency in Scotland at the time of starting the apprenticeship. Please note, that we do not provide sponsorship.
Requirements
National 5 Maths & English at grade A-C. For Graduate apprenticeship: Higher Maths & 1 other STEM subject minimum grade C or NC Civil Engineering (SCQF 6). Full UK driving licence required. Eligible to work in the UK with valid work permit if applicable and 3 years residency in Scotland at the time of starting the apprenticeship. No sponsorship provided.
Skills
Dimensional control of site worksProject planning and coordinationReading and interpretation of site drawings and specificationsConstruction strategies and sequences developmentQuality control and assuranceSite inspections and surveysHealth and safety documentation reviewRisk assessment and method statement preparationTemporary works designTender scope reviewDesign and remedial solutions provisionNon-Conformance reportingSubcontractor monitoring and complianceSurveying and setting out oversightAs-built survey knowledgeCritical interface dimensional checking
Required qualifications
Essential
National 5 · Maths · Grade A-C
Essential
National 5 · English · Grade A-C
Desired
Higher · Maths · Grade C
Desired
Higher · STEM · Grade C
Desired
National Certificate · Civil Engineering · Grade SCQF 6
About Murphy
Contact name
Natalie White
Contact phone
07407857706
Contact email
nataliewhite@murphygroup.co.uk