An apprentice standing in front of a Ringway Jacobs sign
BEng (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship

Civil Engineer

Developing the civil engineers of the future

Start date
September 2026
Location
Chelmsford Peterborough
Award
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
Duration
5 years
The Peterborough-based degree apprenticeship is course 2 of a 2-course pathway.
  1. Civil Engineering Senior Technician
  2. Civil Engineering (Peterborough only)

This pathway starts with a Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship. Successful completion enables progression to our Level 6 Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at ARU Peterborough only, dependent on the employer’s organisational needs.

Looking to become an apprentice but not yet in a job role?
Find a role

Our BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at ARU offers apprentices the chance to earn a full degree while working, with tuition fees covered. Apprentices learn on the job, with the option to apply for Institution of Civil Engineers IEng status, on completion.

For employers, it’s a smart way to develop or recruit engineers equipped with sustainable-construction awareness and professional skills. It’s a cost-effective solution to invest in their existing employees or attract new talent either through the Levy or government support.

Together, we’ll build real-world expertise and future-ready talent tailored to your business.

Why apprenticeships at ARU?

We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.

  • Develop staff and new talent into qualified Civil Engineers

  • Build industry-ready skills through academic and professional teaching

  • Shape apprentices with your organisation’s culture and practices

  • Gain engineers equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need

  • Strengthen your workforce with recognised professional competence

  • Support progression toward Incorporated Engineer status

89%

of employers say apprentices bring fresh ideas and new perspectives.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report

We’ll help you launch your career to in civil engineering.

  • Earn a recognised Civil Engineering degree while you work

  • Gain hands-on experience on live engineering projects

  • Learn from expert academics and industry professionals

  • Build strong skills in sustainable and modern construction

  • Develop the competencies needed for Incorporated Engineer status

  • Graduate ready for a wide range of civil engineering roles

94%

gained personal growth and confidence.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report

Talent development

Ginevra in front of a Ringway Jacobs sign

Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to develop talent and future-proof your organisation. The more we invest in people, the more we ensure the success of our industries and our communities.

Ginerva Viscariello, Learning & Development Advisor, Ringway Jacobs

Expand your Civil Engineer talent pipeline

The Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship was designed by employers, ensuring that the course balances business education with practical, real-time learning in the workplace. Apprentices develop a full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours to achieve Incorporated Engineer (IEng) Status (which they can apply for independently on completion) bringing an elevated level of professionalism and competence to your organisation.


Recruitment support for employers

Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:

  • crafting job advertisements
  • promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
  • adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
  • sharing opportunities across our social media channels.

Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.

Group of apprentices

Creating a world-class apprenticeship

See how we helped Cambridge University Press recruit for their brand new degree apprenticeship.

Emma profile photo

University wasn’t for me. I wanted to learn by doing. My apprenticeship has given me structure, confidence and purpose, and I’m proud to help encourage more women into STEM.

Emma, Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprentice

Develop a full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours to pursue a fulfilling career in civil engineering with our Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is ideal if you want to pursue a career in civil engineering or build on your existing experience and gain a formal university qualification. Successful completion of the apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to independently apply for professional Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Programme content

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) logo

Apply for IENG status

ICE is the professional membership body that supports and promotes the professional standards of civil engineers across the industry and represents the interest of the profession at a national level. When your apprentice completes their apprenticeship, they will be able to independently apply for professional Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Joint Board of Moderators logo

Accredited by the JBM

The Joint Board of Moderators comprises The Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Institute of Highway Engineers and together represent some 100,000 of the world's leading professional engineers.

An apprenticeship is a job with training.

It blends practical skills learnt in your place of work with academic study through the BSc (Hons) degree. You’ll be fully supported by your employer and ARU’s School of Apprenticeships to navigate your apprenticeship and achieve your career goals.

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) logo

Apply for IENG status

ICE is the professional membership body that supports and promotes the professional standards of civil engineers across the industry and represents the interest of the profession at a national level. On completing your apprenticeship, you'll be able to independently apply for professional Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Joint Board of Moderators logo

Accredited by the JBM

The Joint Board of Moderators comprises The Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and the Institute of Highway Engineers and together represent some 100,000 of the world's leading professional engineers.

Entry requirements

Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course.

Chelmsford-based apprentices will need:

  • employer support to undertake this course, with a confirmed, assigned supervising Civil Engineer
  • a completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion
  • 88 UCAS points including at least two subjects at GCE/VCE A level or VCE double award equivalent
  • BTEC National Certificate/Diploma attracting at least 88 UCAS points
  • minimum Level 2 English and Maths or equivalent qualifications and meet age-related English and Maths requirements as outlined by the DfE*
  • applications from mature students and those with qualifications other than GCE/VCE A level are considered on their individual merits but must hold a Level 2 qualification in Maths equivalent to a B/5 grade

Peterborough-based apprentices will need:

  • a completed Initial Needs Assessment Form
  • minimum Level 2 English and Maths or equivalent qualifications and meet age-related English and Maths requirements as outlined by the DfE*
  • evidence of at least 112 UCAS Tariff points at Level 3, eg A Levels, BTEC National Diploma (or equivalent)
  • industrial experience may also be considered in the absence of Level 3 qualifications.

*All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected]

Fees and funding

Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Levy funds to cover the cost of an apprenticeship or receive funding support from the Government.

If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3m, you pay a levy of 0.5% of your payroll into a levy account.

Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.

Take the next step

We’d love to hear from you

Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.

We publish regular updates on our social media channels:

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Starting an apprenticeship with your employer

Speak to your employer about this course and how it could be beneficial for your development.

Our expert consultants can meet with you and your employer to make setting up simple and straightforward.

We publish regular updates on our social media channels:

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Finding an apprenticeship role

To start an apprenticeship, you need to be in a suitable role and have the support of your employer.