01 Aug 2025
10 minutes to read
Authors
Here you can find what to expect when applying for our graduate positions
Positions Available:
We typically hire for the following graduate roles:
- Electrical Design Engineers
- Mechanical Design Engineers
- ICT Design Engineers
Please keep an eye on our vacancy page, as we will post all available graduate positions!
Application process:
Applications usually open around August of the year prior to the cohort start year, e.g., For September 2026 starters, we will start advertising and interviewing from August 2025. We hire on a rolling basis, so we recommend having your CV ready to submit as soon as our applications open.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit your application:
- Visit our vacancy page to find the relevant graduate role.
- Click the "Apply" button, fill out the short form, and upload your CV.
Tip: Tailor your CV to RED and building services for our engineering positions. We hire on a rolling basis so we recommend that you apply as soon as you can to avoid disappointment! We recommend including relevant modules and projects on your CV to showcase your experience and alignment to the role. You can find the relevant modules we look for listed in the job advertisements.
SHORTLISTING:
- Our Talent Acquisitionist (TA) will review your application.
- If shortlisted, you will receive a further form to complete, asking about your qualifications, location preferences, and motivations for applying to RED Engineering.
1st Interview - technical:
- If successful, our TA will be in touch to schedule a first-stage interview, conducted via Teams, which lasts around 1 hour.
- You will meet two of our Engineers who will ask a combination of technical, competency, and situational questions related to the role.
Tip: To prepare, we recommend that you research RED, our work/projects, building services, and the specific engineering discipline you are applying for, within the context of building services.
ASSESSMENT CENTRE - IN PERSON:
- If you pass the first interview, you will be invited to our in-person assessment centre, usually held at our London office.
- The assessment centre lasts between 4 to 5.5 hours and includes various activities, some of which require preparation. Guidance on activities and what you need to prepare for will be listed in the email our TA will send to you.
Tip: Carefully read all communication, preparation material and emails regarding the assessment centre.
Offer:
- If successful, you will hear back within 3 weeks from the assessment centre regarding the outcome of your application.
FAQs about our graduate recruitment process
What locations are available?
If we have multiple roles open across our offices for the same discipline, this will be shown on the advertisement. You will be able to select your preferred location(s) when you are shortlisted.
International candidates – Do you offer sponsorship?
Do you sponsor students who require a work visa, now or in the future?
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to offer sponsorship at this time.
What is RED’s Graduate Program?
Our CIBSE accredited graduate scheme is a structured two-year programme designed to provide a strong foundation in your chosen discipline within the building services sector.
As a Graduate Engineer, you will be assigned to one of our specialist data centre teams. This placement allows you to develop deep technical expertise and contribute to high-impact projects from day one.
Throughout the programme, you’ll benefit from extensive support and training. This includes dedicated mentorship, access to industry-specific workshops, and participation in professional development courses. Our aim is to equip you with the tools and confidence to thrive in your role and grow as a capable, well-rounded engineer.
We also place strong emphasis on developing soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and leadership. These are nurtured through team projects, client interactions, and cross-functional initiatives.
At the end of the two-year programme, we will review your progress and support your transition into your role as an Engineer at RED. We are committed to supporting your long-term career progression and providing opportunities for continued growth within the company.
Will I receive support towards chartership? What does this consist of?
Our Graduate Programme will prepare you for route to chartership through training opportunities, various experience through our placements and access to industry CPD’s and onsite visits. We aim to structure our training to align with the engineering council competencies and exposure to mentors that can support throughout and beyond your graduate programme.
RED is accredited under the CIBSE Training & Development (T&D) Scheme, an approved in-house training scheme that supports engineers in developing the skills and competencies required for Engineering Council registration and corporate membership of CIBSE. While we work closely with CIBSE, we also partner with other organisations such as IMechE, IET, and BSRIA.
What is the typical start date for graduates?
Our Graduate Program typically begins during the second week of September each year. This timing allows us to align all new graduates with our structured onboarding process and induction sessions, ensuring everyone receives the same comprehensive introduction to the company.
Can I start earlier/ later?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate significant earlier or later start dates for candidates. Our onboarding schedule is specifically designed to provide a cohesive and thorough introduction to the company, which includes a series of graduate-specific induction sessions, which are essential for a smooth transition and successful integration into our team.
What salary do you offer?
We conduct regular reviews of market average salaries for graduates to ensure our offerings remain competitive. Our salaries are confidential and benchmarked and, therefore, non-negotiable.
How often are graduate salaries reviewed?
Graduates salaries are reviewed on an annual basis. Salaries are also typically reviewed at the end of the graduate scheme, particularly if a graduate is promoted to 'Engineer'. Please note that all salary increases are at the company's discretion and processes may be subject to change.
What shall I do if I am running late to my interview or I can no longer attend?
If you are running late, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing us. For delays to our assessment centre, please use the provided phone number to inform us promptly.
Can I claim back travel expenses from my interview?
We provide travel expense reimbursement for our assessment centres. Details regarding eligibility and the claim process will be included in the email sent to you prior to the assessment centre.
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