Exploring Careers in Highways & Infrastructure Planning
By Adam Butler, Highways & Infrastructure

Graduating with a civil engineering degree is a significant milestone, one that unlocks diverse career paths across the built environment. Among the most rewarding and impactful areas is the field of highways and infrastructure, where civil engineers are at the heart of designing, upgrading, and maintaining the transport systems and public works that connect and sustain our communities.

For those starting out, there’s an immediate opportunity to join project teams working on vital schemes ranging from local junction upgrades to multi-million-pound urban corridor redevelopments. Graduate engineers might find themselves contributing to the design of road layouts, flood alleviation systems, or sustainable drainage networks, using platforms such as Civil 3D and MicroDrainage. These early roles offer a balance of technical challenge, real-world application, and exposure to client and stakeholder collaboration.

At Carrington West, we work closely with local authorities, engineering consultancies, and national contractors who are delivering live infrastructure projects throughout the UK. From minor improvement works to flagship schemes tied to housing expansion or economic regeneration, the breadth of projects ensures that every role is not only meaningful but also geared towards progression.

The infrastructure sector is also one where routes to advancement are clear and well-supported. Many of our clients offer graduate training schemes, support the path to chartership, provide mentorships, structured career development plans, and project leadership pathways. As engineers gain experience, they move into roles where they oversee multidisciplinary teams, coordinate across design and delivery phases, and lead on innovation in areas such as active travel, decarbonisation, or digital twin technology.

Engineers often progress into senior and principal roles where they take on more complex design responsibility, strategic decision-making, and client leadership. Some transition into project management or specialise in areas like sustainable transport planning, highway drainage, or urban infrastructure policy. We regularly recruit for roles where engineers are expected to interface with planning authorities, utilities, architects and ecologists, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of infrastructure delivery.

In terms of employers, the variety is extensive. Civil engineers in this space are hired by public sector bodies such as county councils and combined authorities, as well as by private sector design consultancies, integrated delivery partners, and Tier 1 contractors. With the government committed to long-term investment in transport and infrastructure, demand for skilled professionals remains high across the UK.

Exciting projects currently underway include strategic road upgrades, sustainable neighbourhood redesigns, and future mobility schemes. Engineers are involved in developing infrastructure that supports new housing, reduces carbon emissions, and improves resilience to flooding and climate change. Many are also contributing to projects aimed at boosting walking, cycling and public transport options, reinforcing the profession’s role in creating healthier, more connected places.

Although this article focuses on highways and infrastructure, it's worth noting that a civil engineering degree also opens doors in water, rail, environmental and nuclear sectors. Many engineers pivot between sectors as their careers evolve, driven by interest, opportunity or specialism.

Whether you’re a graduate looking for your first role or an experienced engineer considering your next move, the highways and infrastructure sector offers meaningful, long-term career prospects. At Carrington West, we are here to help you find the right role, with expert guidance tailored to your goals.

If you're ready to explore your options in highways and infrastructure, or simply want to understand what’s possible with your civil engineering degree, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to talk.