Entry-Level Opportunities in the Highways Sector: Your Pathway to Success

6 minutes

Entry-Level Opportunities in the Highways Sector: Your Pathway to Success

Curious about breaking into highways engineering? Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career pivot, the highways sector offers exciting entry-level roles to kickstart your journey. From designing critical highway infrastructure to supporting major projects, there are plenty of ways to build a rewarding future in this dynamic field.

Let’s explore the key entry-level jobs in highways recruitment, what they involve, and how they can pave the way to long-term career success.

Ready to take the first step? Explore live opportunities here: [View Highways Jobs]

Graduate Civil Engineer

Average Starting Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 per annum

Fresh from university? Graduate civil engineers work alongside experienced professionals to design, plan, and deliver highway infrastructure projects. A degree in civil engineering or a related subject is usually required, and many employers provide structured graduate programmes as part of the recruitment process.

Highway Technician

Average Starting Salary: £20,000 – £25,000 per annum

Highway technicians support the design and maintenance of road networks. Responsibilities include drafting designs, conducting surveys, and analysing data. While a qualification in civil engineering technology is ideal, employers also value a detail-oriented mindset and strong problem-solving skills. Recruitment agencies often highlight this role as one of the most accessible ways to get started in highways engineering.

Junior Highway Inspector

Average Starting Salary: £22,000 – £28,000 per annum

Junior highway inspectors ensure roads and projects meet safety and quality standards. This involves carrying out site visits, recording findings, and working closely with engineering teams. While a civil engineering degree is helpful, vocational qualifications and practical experience are also recognised pathways into this role.

Assistant Project Manager

Average Starting Salary: £28,000 – £35,000 per annum

Organisation and leadership are central to this role. As an assistant project manager, you’ll support planning, budgeting, and coordination across highway projects. A background in civil engineering or project management strengthens your prospects, but enthusiasm for problem-solving and teamwork is equally important. Recruitment agencies often note that these positions are ideal for candidates looking to transition into management roles early in their career.

CAD Technician

Average Starting Salary: £20,000 – £25,000 per annum

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technicians bring highway infrastructure projects to life through technical drawings and digital models. Proficiency in design software and an eye for precision are essential. Employers often look for CAD-related qualifications or engineering backgrounds, combined with strong digital skills.

Trainee Quantity Surveyor

Average Starting Salary: £22,000 – £28,000 per annum

If you enjoy working with numbers, a trainee quantity surveyor role is a great entry point. You’ll learn how to estimate, budget, and manage costs on large-scale highway projects. While degrees in quantity surveying or civil engineering are common, some employers also offer trainee programmes for candidates with strong financial skills as part of their recruitment process.

Junior Geotechnical Engineer

Average Starting Salary: £24,000 – £30,000 per annum

Geotechnical engineers assess soil and rock conditions to ensure the stability and safety of highways projects. A degree in geotechnical or civil engineering is typically required, but a strong interest in geology and earth sciences is also valuable.

What the Experts Say

"Starting a career in the highways sector is a game-changer, especially through the roles outlined here. These positions give hands-on exposure, bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact. I’ve seen so many fledgling engineers thrive when they dive into these opportunities. Highways projects aren’t just jobs—they’re pathways to future innovation."

 — Sam White, Highways Recruitment Consultant at Matchtech

Why Choose a Career in Highways?

Entry-level highways roles aren’t just about getting a job. They give you the chance to contribute to the nation’s vital highway infrastructure, improving transport and everyday life for millions of people. With clear progression routes and opportunities to specialise, your first role could be the start of a long and exciting career.

As a specialist recruitment agency, Matchtech helps candidates navigate the recruitment process with expert guidance and tailored opportunities in the highways sector.

Take your first step into the highways sector today: [View Highways Jobs]

Find Out More

Want to dive deeper into the highways industry? Visit the Matchtech Highways Recruitment Hub for the latest insights, career advice, and opportunities from a leading recruitment agency: [Explore Highways Recruitment]