FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are your entry requirements?
We generally ask for a sound technical background in a relevant degree (typically a minimum of 2:2 or equivalent, BSc, BEng, BA, MSc, MEng, MA). However, requirements vary slightly from job to job, so refer to the job description for the roles you are interested in to see if you meet the requirements.
We occasionally have opportunities for graduates in support functions such as HR and IT. These are advertised on our website with their requirements.
As a consultancy, we work in a customer / client focused environment and so it is important that our graduates are able to communicate effectively in a commercial environment.
What training and development will I receive?
Training and development of our graduates is very important to us at Atkins. Everyone who joins us as a graduate will follow our accredited professional development scheme with the aim of becoming accredited with the most appropriate professional body.
There is a comprehensive portfolio of training available to enhance the knowledge, skills and outlook of all staff members. Additionally, for graduates on accredited professional development schemes, the following initiatives are in place to further enhance their capability and to assist with career progression:
- Graduate Development Event: An opportunity for graduates to learn more about the activities of the Atkins Group, to network and to further enhance skills.
- Continuing Professional Development: We are committed to provide training and experience, as required by the professional institutes, leading to qualification.
- Graduate Development Centre: Designed to engage with graduates to highlight their strengths and areas for development. The output is an agreed development plan to maximise individuals’ potential.
- Developing Individuals: We provide graduates with access to a high quality framework of development programmes designed to develop their technical knowledge and reputation.
Do you employ graduates requiring work permits?
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified graduates and will support the work permit applications for successful candidates for the majority of our roles. Appointment of individuals requiring work permits applies in the event we have been unsuccessful in filling our roles with suitably qualified graduates already eligible to work in the UK. There are a small number of roles that have restrictions on who can be appointed, due to UK government security clearance requirements.
Do you offer work experience?
We have a variety of paid summer and industrial placements, as well as gap year opportunities, which are advertised online. You will need to submit an online application in order to be considered for these positions, which are usually advertised from December onwards. Please search for these vacancies using the keyword undergraduate.
Do you offer financial sponsorship?
We are involved in various sponsorship schemes across the country, such as QUEST and ‘Year in Industry’. We also have links with certain university departments (for more information, contact your Careers Service or speak to your Head of Department).
What vacancies are available at which location?
We operate from a range of locations across the UK and around the world, and the opportunities on offer vary with location. Please fill in your preferred locations when asked on the application form. For more detailed information on our specific offices in the UK, please see www.atkinsglobal.com/careers, and view ‘Where We Work’.
Are there any international vacancies?
The majority of our graduate vacancies are based in the UK. Our UK scheme sometimes provides opportunity to work overseas on particular projects, however we cannot guarantee that there will be opportunities for everyone.
You can search for international vacancies by selecting the region of your choice on the Apply page. You are then able to select your preferred location from the text box below. You will also be presented with our overseas locations on the application form (if applicable).
In addition we currently operate a graduate scheme in China and are developing schemes in other parts of the world. International graduates wanting to work in an Atkins office in their home country should apply direct to the Atkins office there.
Can I make more than one application?
This year we’ve changed our application process and all candidates are only required to complete one application form. In that form you will be asked to state which business areas you are interested in, so we recommend that you read the information in our brochure and online to make an informed decision. We will then allocate your application to those businesses internally, making the process much easier for you.
Each candidate is given a username and password so that you can log in and view the areas of business that your application has been submitted to. This will also allow you to monitor the progress of each application. If you have any queries please email graduates@atkinsglobal.com, and we’ll respond to your query as soon as possible.
If I am rejected from one business area, will this affect my application to another area of the company?
No - Business Units can look for different skill sets in graduates, so where one Business Unit may reject a candidate, another may consider their experience and qualifications as suitable. However passing our assessment day is required for all areas of business.
How long will it typically take to complete the online application form?
It varies from candidate to candidate, depending on the length of your answers. We recommend you give your answers in full, and follow the word count guidance provided by each question. All applicants are given a login and password so you may save your answers as you go along, or leave sections blank and come back to them at a later date.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to be considered, applications must be fully completed with each page checked and the overall application submitted. Where applications remain incomplete, applicants will be sent a number of reminders within the first month of applying to ensure that applications are completed as soon as possible.
After I have made an application, how long will it be until I find out whether I have been shortlisted?
The main recruitment period starts in October each year. We typically shortlist at the end of October and then throughout the year for assessment days / interviews. Assessment days commence in November and take place throughout the UK until the summer period subject to requirements being met.
I have another question that you have not answered here
If you have any further questions about graduate recruitment at Atkins, please email graduates@atkinsglobal.com.