Applications for our 2024 apprenticeships are now open!

Apprenticeships with JN Bentley are hands-on from day one; with dedicated mentors to support your development throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and insight into the real world of work that will help you to pursue a career in the civil engineering and construction industry.


From day one, you would be employed as a permanent member of staff and given the framework to design your future with JN Bentley. There are apprenticeship opportunities across all of our teams from civil engineering to finance and everything in between.


Recruitment tends to take place in January and February with the roles starting in September.  We think our apprenticeship offering is brilliant but don’t just take our word for it – hear directly from some of our people below.

Apprenticeship FAQs

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job that combines practical experience with training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take important steps into a career, giving you the opportunity to gain practical skills and academic knowledge all whilst earning a great salary.

What kind of apprenticeships do you offer?

Site based operations
Site engineerExperience working on live construction projects - everything from new multi-million-pound water treatment works to upgrades to historic reservoirs. You will work alongside the site manager and site engineer to undertake all site operations, including setting up site, construction, installation, and handover and how we keep each other and the environment safe from harm.
Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician

Mechanical engineer

Electrical engineer

Process engineer

Play a key role in the design, planning, maintenance, and commissioning of mechanical and electrical parts of our projects. Our mechanical and electrical engineers are innovative thinkers with a talent for solving problems, and work closely with the rest of the construction team on site.
Level 3 Utilities Engineering Technician
Commercial Management – Site & Office based
Quantity surveying
Our quantity surveyors manage the commercial side of construction projects. Keeping a close eye on the figures, you help ensure projects come in (or under!) on budget. If you have a strong practical mind and good maths skills then this could be the career for you.
Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveyor apprenticeship
Head Office – Office based
Business support
In business support you’ll work closely with project teams to keep the cogs turning on site. The roles are incredibly varied and include procurement and plant management; accounting and finance; human resources; health, safety, and environmental management and more.
The following apprenticeships can start at Level 2 or above depending on the specific area:
· Level 2 Accounts/Finance Assistant
· Level 3 Business Administration
· Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant
· Level 3 IT Solution Technician
· Level 3 Safety, Health, and Environment Technician.

What are the entry requirements?

Each role will have its own requirements, so it’s always best to check the job advert when submitting your application, but the basic requirements are:


· You must be 17 years old or older.

· 5 GCSEs graded C/4 or above (including maths and English).

· For our Level 4 Apprenticeships you will also need to have 2 A-levels or an equivalent Level 3 diploma.

· For some of our apprenticeships you must hold a full UK driving licence or be in the process of learning to drive.

How long do the apprenticeships take?

This depends on exactly which apprenticeship you do but they are typically around 3 years.

When can I apply?

All our apprenticeship opportunities will be advertised from January with the selection process taking place in February and offers going out by March. The roles will start in September. 

Will I get a job at the end of it?

Unlike many other employers, we offer all our apprentices a permanent role from day one. Accepting an apprenticeship with us means beginning a long term. We hope that accepting an apprenticeship with us marks the start of a long and successful career.

Will I get paid?

Yes, we pay all our apprentices well above the apprentice national minimum wage. It’s important to us that our apprentices feel well rewarded for the roles they do.

Levels, training partners etc. Good to mention that we offer degree apprenticeships

In the future I’d like to progress to a senior engineering role or site manager. Doing the apprenticeship I’ve gained a lot of on-site knowledge that will be beneficial if I want to progress to these roles in the future.

Marc, Civil Engineer

When I’ve finished my current course, JN Bentley has given me the opportunity to study a further apprenticeship at Level 3, 4, 5 and onwards.

Will, Apprentice M&E Engineer

With the experiences and knowledge that I’ll gain in the next few years, the apprenticeship will give me the opportunity to explore different career pathways.

Harry, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

The apprenticeship will support my career development by ensuring I have a good foundation of knowledge and experience going forward in my career.

Emma, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

JN Bentley has set out a good path for me which had been really beneficial – I can see what I need to do to progress.

Adam, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

I chose the scheme because I didn't want to sit in a classroom and wanted to work. I wanted to get into the construction industry. I had a look at the website and CIPS and took an interest in procurement. My favourite parts of the scheme is working and gaining a qualification, building knowledge of the work place and the experience. If I was to describe it I’d say it is very good, it’s interesting as you're learning the academic parts as well as gaining real life experience and it’s much better than being at a college.

Lucas, Apprentice Procurement

Guidance For Parents

As a parent/guardian, you want your child to get the best possible start in their career and with so many options available to young people after they leave school, it can be daunting when offering advice. So here are some frequently asked questions to help you support your child in making the right decision for them.

With structured development schemes leading to professional chartership, joining JN Bentley as a graduate is a brilliant opportunity to launch your career.


Graduate roles are hands on from day one, and with a very supportive team behind you, there is the opportunity to work both out on site and within the office environment on live projects. You’ll apply the knowledge gained from your studies from the word 'go', and have the chance to work on, or contribute to the work of interesting, complex and challenging civil, mechanical and electrical engineering projects.


Throughout you’ll be provided with the opportunity to train, hone key skills, and develop professionally to ensure you have a fulfilling career at JN Bentley.

Graduate FAQs

When can I apply?

Our graduate opportunities will be advertised from September with the selection process taking place in November and offers going out by December. The role will start in either July or August.

Are there any requirements?

We have no specific grade requirements for our graduate roles but generally we ask for your degree to be related to the graduate role you are applying for. We also look for our graduate roles to be filled by people who have graduated within the last two years.


If you graduated longer than 2 years ago, please have a look at our experienced career opportunities.

Do I need to have a full driving licence?

For some of our graduate roles you must hold a full driving licence or be in the process of learning to drive.

Will I get support towards a professional qualification?

Yes, we offer professional development schemes to support your journey to achieving a professional qualification. You will be assigned a mentor to help with your development.

Will I be put on a graduate position programme?

Yes, all our graduates are enrolled onto our Early Careers Development Programme, which is a year-out programme designed to ensure our apprentices and graduates have the key skills, behaviours, and support network to thrive in their career.

Are there opportunities to move around the business?

Some of our graduate opportunities are rotational role around the business. Even if you are not on a rotational roles, we support people to move between frameworks and roles to gain experience in other areas of the business to aid their development.

We offer both year-out and summer placements across all of our teams from Quantity Surveying to HR and everything in between and take on a number of university students every year across the UK.


You won’t just spend your time making tea and trying to buy tartan paint...placements at JN Bentley give you a real insight into your vocation of choice.


You’ll have hands-on responsibility from day one and throughout your placement. Treat it like a job interview; we have many placement students re-join us for their year in industry or after graduation.


To explore current placement opportunities with us, check out our current vacancies and start your application today.

Placement FAQs

How long does a placement last?

At JN Bentley we offer both year-out and summer placements. Our summer placements can last up to 12 weeks.

Can my placement last more than 12 months?

The longest placement we offer is for 12 months.

What will I do during my placement?

Our placement roles are hands-on from day one, you’ll become a key part of the team and have real responsibility. Working alongside our talented colleagues, you’ll see what the world of work is really like and put your learnings from university into practice.

What if I'm unsure on the career I want?

Some of our placements provide you with the opportunity to rotate across different areas of the business, this will help you gain an understanding of different roles allowing you to choose the career path that’s right for you.

When can I apply?

For our year-out placements the opportunities will be advertised from September with the selection process taking place in November and offers going out by December. The placement will start in either July or August. Our summer placement vacancies are not advertised on our website, if you are interested in an opportunity, please contact mmbcearlycareers@jnbentley.co.uk

Will I be paid during my placement?

Yes, all our placements are paid. It’s important to us that you feel rewarded for the role you do.

What benefits will I get during my placement?

We’re pleased that we can offer some great benefits to our placement students whilst they’re here with us. Our placements have access to our health cash plan, retail discounts and our famous Christmas gift.

Will I be able to take annual leave during my placement?

Absolutely, you will accrue annual leave in the same way as our permanent employees. For a full year-out placement you will receive 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

What happens after my placement?

When your placement year is coming to an end, if you have had a successful year, you will be offered sponsorship, which provides you with financial support during your final year, along with an offer to return to JN Bentley once you graduate. We also have some placement students who continue to work at JN Bentley part time during their final year of study.

What happens if I want to continue my studies and complete a masters degree?

There is an opportunity for you to return as a summer placement during your break from university and then return as a graduate following completion of your masters degree.

What I've enjoyed the most about my placement is the variety of the different kinds of work, being able to work in an office but also be able to get out onto site

Louis, Placement Student

JN Bentley is a company I certainly feel part of, not just a number. Support from the senior staff has always been fantastic

Arthur, Commercial Manager (former placement student)

JN Bentley is growing because of their investment in people in terms of training and development, it’s a very positive environment

Rosie, Buyer (former placement student)

Students at any stage of their studies can apply to undertake a short period of work experience with us, typically one or two weeks.


Not only will this boost your CV to any potential employers (including us) but will also give you a taster of the industry to see what area or specialism you may want to pursue once you finish your studies.


Work experience could be the first rung on your career ladder with JN Bentley.

Assessment Centres

Assessment centres are a really good way for us to get to know you better. We’ll use different activities to allow you to demonstrate your teamworking and problem-solving skills – two important aspects of working with us. You will also interview with our hiring managers to allow them to find out more about you as a person. Our assessment centres are also a great opportunity for you to get to know us, who we are, what we do and decide whether we’re also right for you. We appreciate that assessment centres can be a dauting experience, to ensure you are fully prepared and feel comfortable about the day read our FAQs.

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Assessment Centre FAQs

How many people are usually at the assessment centre?

Typically, our assessment centres will be between eight to ten candidates. It is important to remember that the assessment centre is just a way of finding candidates suitable for a role; you are not in competition with the other candidates at the assessment centre.

Who else will be at the assessment centre?

There’s a variety of people at the assessment centre including a member of our early careers recruitment team, managers from across the business as well as some past apprentices, placements, and graduates. Take time to speak to everyone there, they’ll be able to answer any questions you have and provide you with insights on what it’s like to work at JN Bentley.

How long do the assessment centres last?

Our assessment centres typically run between 10am to 3pm, with a social lunch break to allow you to connect with the other candidates and hiring managers.

What skills are the main skills you are looking for at the assessment centre?

Some of the key skills we’re looking for are communication, problem solving skills, teamwork, and ability to learn. These key skills are important, but we also want to find out who you are.

What is the dress code for the assessment centre?

Our assessment centres are a smart casual dress code. It’s important that you feel comfortable throughout the day to be able to perform at your best.

What do I need to bring with me?

Just yourself, everything you need will be provided for you.

Our Top 5 tips for our Assessment Centre

Focus on yourself and not the other candidates. It’s easy to sit and compare yourself to others, but the most important thing is to be yourself and focus on demonstrating your skills.

You are not expected to know everything. It’s about showing how you approach a task, and how you apply your skills and knowledge. Even if you’ve got the wrong answer, it’s about showing how you tackle tasks. Individuality and clear, thought through ideas will stand out.

Speak up and get your voice heard. Remember, it’s not always about being the loudest person in the room, but you also need to make sure you contribute. Be confident when getting involved with tasks.

Smile, be friendly, respectful, and polite. Make sure you interact with others wherever you get the opportunity. Even if it’s informal conversation and getting to know them. It helps show you can get on with people and that you’d be a good team member.

Enjoy yourself. If you try to relax and enjoy the day, this will reflect off you and onto the interviewers. They want to see how you’d act in a typical everyday environment. Be true to yourself and show them who you are.

Joined JN Bentley in 2023

48

Apprentices

60

Graduates

21

Year-Out Placement Students

9

Summer Placement Students

Why Choose JN Bentley Early Careers?

All our Graduate and Apprentice roles come with permanent employment contracts and offer full staff benefits.

Benefit from our established relationships with the leading training partners across the industry to obtain your professional qualifications.

With proven mentoring programmes and access to industry leaders, we will support you to achieve chartership.

As an Apprentice or Graduate, you will be automatically enrolled into our bespoke Early Careers Development Programme; a 12-month scheme designed to enhance your works skills, expand your network and enrich your experience.

Make a great impression during your placement and you could be offered a permanent role for when you finished your studies, as well as the potential for financial sponsorship to either support you during your final year or cover your university fees for your final year.

I’ve been really lucky as I had the opportunity to do a years placement initially before returning on the graduate scheme. I got to experience what the company was like and was involved in various schemes.

Sophie, Graduate Process Engineer

I initially applied for JN Bentley as a site engineer but had a brilliant experience at the assessment centre. I met some fantastic people and spoke to them about my design background, I’m now working as a mechanical engineer.

Ben, Graduate MEP Engineer

I began placement with JN Bentley during my second and third year of university before finishing my bachelors. The reason I returned after graduating was due to the complexity of the job that I had during the placement. The opportunities that were given during that time really increased my ability to put what I know out there and further my knowledge on other subjects.

Chris, Graduate MEP Engineer

I decided to return to JN Bentley after completing university because of their dedication to investment in young people in the early stages of their career, allowing me to progress and broaden my experience further.  My favourite part of the graduate scheme is the variety each day brings. Every day brings something new, allowing me to expand and broaden my knowledge within a new area whilst remaining fast paced. Doing a placement at JN Bentley provided me with valuable experience in a new field, allowing me to take practical and valuable skills with me into my final year at university. 

Millie, Graduate Buyer

JN Bentley have been named one of just 119 top employers across the UK to achieve gold membership of The 5% Club, following the annual Employer Audit Scheme. With over 10% of our workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions, we’re proud of our long-standing tradition and collective advocacy of investing in the young professionals of the future.

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