Graduate Development Programme
Graduate Development Programme
Work on real-world leading international research and development projects.
Together we can shape the future.
Launch your career at WMG, University of Warwick and work on real-world leading international research and development projects within science, technology and engineering.
Our two-year programme will provide you with the maximum exposure to different teams and experiences as you rotate across projects at WMG. You will complete up to three project rotations in year one, and a long-term project in year two. You will experience first-hand, the potential of our work and discover where your own interests and skills lie.
You will earn a competitive graduate salary as an employee of WMG and gain valuable professional experience, including opportunities to become an innovator in the world of science, technology and engineering, developing the brightest ideas that will shape our future by working closely with leading academic and industry partners on real-world research and development projects. Alongside this, you will also work towards achieving a PGCert, as well as a recognised project management qualification.
Research Areas
Our research is very multi-disciplinary, with projects available across our diverse research themes: Energy Innovation, Intelligent Vehicles, HVM Catapult and Materials and Manufacturing. As a Graduate Engineer at WMG, University of Warwick, you’ll have the freedom to explore various research areas in your first year to eventually specialise in one theme towards the end of the programme. Guided by leading experts in their field, you’ll develop your technical knowledge and skills whilst gaining experience of applied research in a fast-paced environment.
Discover your niche, gain a diverse skill set and shape the trajectory of your future career with the WMG Graduate Scheme.
Research Areas
Energy Innovation
Energy Innovation is a major area of growth, not just for WMG, but for industry globally. Our Energy Innovation Centre is a national facility for battery research across the entire R&D process, from materials and electrochemistry through to application, integration, and recycling/re-use.
Research Areas
Intelligent Vehicles
The concept of autonomous or 'driverless' vehicles promises many benefits for future transport but also brings significant challenges. We have started to see the first steps towards autonomy in the market with features like automatic parking and emergency braking systems, as well as working prototypes of fully autonomous vehicles.
Research Areas
HVM Catapult
We are a founding member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a consortium of seven world-class research centres around the UK. Our overarching mission is to improve the competitiveness of UK manufacturing. We do this by collaborating on R&D projects, transferring knowledge into businesses, and educating highly skilled people.
Research Areas
Materials and Manufacturing
We're focused on the delivery of transformational results in both materials and manufacturing processes that help to create a cleaner future and sustainable economy. Our interdisciplinary approach across the full technology supply chain allows us to develop sustainable materials from next generation solutions, and improved manufacturing processes that shape the future.
Research with impact, education for life
Our approach to collaborative R&D and skills development spans multiple sectors.
National Automotive Innovation Centre
Brining together the brightest minds from industry and academia, NAIC is a beacon for future mobility research and development.
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Developing business skills to compliment technical knowledge
Whichever research areas interest you, you’ll be able to acquire the business skills and awareness needed to complement your technical knowledge, including:
WMG is one of the largest academic departments at the University of Warwick
Commercial and business awareness
Understanding the commercial context of research achievements and developing your financial awareness
Project management
Working on project delivery alongside an experienced Project Manager, and studying for a recognised Project Management qualification
PGCert
As part of the two-year programme, you will embark on a journey towards a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) with modules tailored to your interests.
Transferable skills
Enhance time management, IT competency, communication and emotional intelligence
What our current Graduate Engineers love about the WMG Graduate Development Programme:
- Flexible working hours
- Access to graduate social events and networking groups
- Access to fantastic on-campus facilities such as our Sports and Wellness Hub, swimming pool and climbing wall. As well as coffee shops and eateries
- A designated 'Graduate Buddy'. All Graduate Engineers are provided with a buddy, a previous graduate that will act as a mentor to you during the two-year programme
.
100%
of our graduates wanting to secure positions were offered a Project Engineer position at the end of the programme
95%
of our Graduate Engineers to date progressed within WMG as Project Engineers, PhD students or similar upon completion of the programme
39%
of our 2023 cohort of Graduate Engineers are female
47%
of our current Graduates (2022/23) are from minority ethnic backgrounds
Pay and benefits
As a Graduate Trainee Engineer with WMG, you will be an employee of the University of Warwick. We offer a generous salary and benefits. We will provide you with the opportunity to build a rewarding career in an environment where you can be yourself and achieve your best.
- A competitive graduate starting salary of £29,605
- 26 days paid annual leave, plus four customary days over Christmas, and eight statutory Bank Holidays
- Entry to a pension scheme with excellent employer contributions
- A tailored Personal Development Plan
- Access to CPD courses in Scientific Writing and Leadership
Each graduate will also have the option to undertake a subsidised PGCert. You will also have the opportunity to complete an industry recognised project management qualification.
Other benefits include:
- Working closely with research and industry partners, and building contacts for the future
- Attending conferences and industry events to support your learning and build your networks
- Developing working relationships with key academic and industry figures
- Building workplace confidence in a supportive environment
- As part of our transport and mobility strategy we provide all eligible staff the opportunity to acquire a new electric car on contract hire as part of our employee Reward and Benefits package
Where could this lead?
95% of our previous Graduate Engineer cohorts have progressed into Project Engineer or equivalent roles within WMG at the end of their two-year programme, this success is a testament to the quality of our Graduate Development Programme.
Potential opportunities upon completion of the programme:
- A Project Engineer or Project Manager role at WMG (subject to vacancy availability and your performance on the programme)
- Further study – e.g. PGCert obtained during the programme can progress into a Master’s Degree or PhD/EngD
- A career in industry - e.g. in commercial research or in project management
Apply now
Start the next chapter of your career and apply for a place on the WMG Graduate Development Programme.
Hear from our Graduate Engineers
Hear from current and past Graduate Engineers. Our diverse Graduate Development Programme helps the most promising young talents launch a career in sectors such as Energy Innovation, Materials and Manufacturing, Automation and Intelligent Vehicles. Hear from our graduates as they reflect on workplace culture, industry projects and the Programme’s impact on their development and career aspirations.
Rob (2021 cohort)
“The WMG Graduate Scheme offers a wide variety of projects to work on, and unlike other graduate schemes I can choose what fields I’d like to explore. It’s a great opportunity to try different things, work on what I’m interested in, and develop my skills as I work on projects.
“The culture in the graduate scheme is great! It’s great having a group of colleagues who are in a similar situation to you. Everyone at WMG is friendly, and it’s great to chat about what you’re working on and get through challenges together.”
Ali (2021 cohort)
“What drew me to WMG is their strong emphasis on the commercial application of advanced technologies and their effort to support the growth of local engineering businesses. The scheme is a fantastic opportunity to deep dive into some of the industry’s most pressing challenges and to actively work towards addressing them. The range of exciting departmental rotations will provide you with an unparalleled understanding of the different fields that help run the UK’s energy innovation sector.
“The graduate engineers are one large family. We organise socials, play sports, and enjoy our time in the office together. We participate in outreach activities in local schools to inspire young students into the endless wonders of engineering. Most importantly, WMG has a respectful and supportive working environment which will nurture your professional development.”
Pete (2021 cohort)
“I’ve relished the opportunity to rotate through different teams in a way that allows me to work out what I’m most competent at and enjoy. Alongside this, there is a very supportive atmosphere around me encouraging me to grow and allowing a variety of work and experience within each team. I enjoy having the balance of the day-to-day supervisor as well as a line manager for more high-level support.
“The culture in my year of grads has been active in arranging various social events, which helps to keep us all connected. There’s an inclusive feel to the atmosphere in the graduate group and natural friendships have formed throughout this past year, helping me to settle in to WMG.”
Ben (2021 cohort)
“The grad scheme is a perfect transition from university to industry because you’ll be starting with 12 other graduates in exactly the same position as you. During the grad scheme you’ll gain experience as a project engineer, project manager and researcher in a variety of fields ranging from chemical engineering to automotive engineering.
“Much like in university, there’s plenty of opportunities outside of work to socialise, attend events and network. Our cohort of grads are more like a friend group then co-workers; we attend a pub quiz every week, participate in a go-karting championship, and meet up on the weekends. Last month we went to the Goodwood festival of speed and Silverstone Formula Student weekend.”
Felix (2020 cohort)
“Working at WMG has been a great opportunity to learn about UK manufacturing and get involved with some really exciting and meaningful projects. It’s a great environment to work in and start your career as part of the Graduate Scheme.”Contact us
If you would like to discuss the scheme in more detail or have any questions, please contact our Graduate Recruitment Team, who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.