Leaving school, changing direction or starting your career? Our programmes are designed to help the next generation of built environment professionals learn, grow and find the right path.
Built around your development, we support your growth with real-world experience and a clear path from graduate to confident professional.
At Ridge, you’ll receive outstanding professional support whatever degree you come to us with. During your initial two-year Evolve development programme, you’ll learn through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), masterclasses and networking sessions — while developing professional skills such as communication and time management. You’ll be supported by a dedicated network of the Future Talent team, line managers and peers throughout your journey, helping you naturally grow in confidence.
If you already have a related qualification, we can guide you towards professional chartership and if your background is unrelated, you might decide to start a degree in your chosen discipline. Either way, we’ll support you throughout, so when your two-year Evolve programme ends, you’ll be equipped to step confidently into your next role, ready to shape the career you want.
Our fee-free, fully supported degree apprenticeship is a professional launchpad into the Built Environment – designed for school leavers, career changers or returners.
This two-year development programme combines real-world experience and professional support to accelerate your learning and personal growth, while you study towards your degree. Your confidence and knowledge will build through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), networking and masterclasses and you’ll be fully supported by our Future Talent Team, dedicated line managers, mentors, peers and your education provider.
At the end of the Elevate programme, you’ll have a great sense of professional progress and personal achievement which will benefit you as your studies continue towards your degree and chartership — fully funded by Ridge.
Entry criteria
This depends on your chosen discipline, so explore them here.
The Built Environment is the human-made spaces and structures that support how and where we live, work and play. It’s everything from individual buildings to entire cities and the infrastructure that connects them.
Click a discipline below to find your fit… or search here using ‘graduate’ or ‘apprentice’ for more opportunities.
Building surveying
Our building surveyors are one of the largest and most accomplished teams of Chartered Surveyors in the property sector.
When you join us, you’ll support a wide range of clients, managing their property portfolios, projects and transactions. We provide a wealth of expertise and local knowledge at every stage of property investment, from ownership and occupation to acquisition and disposal.
Chartered Surveyor (RICS Building Surveying Pathway)
Entry requirement (any of the below):
A Levels BCC
Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained.
and
5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
Building services engineering
Our building services engineers get to the heart of a client’s brief, applying an in-depth understanding of the needs and operation of every building.
You’ll join a team that adopts innovative methods to deliver best-in-class solutions for a wide range of clients. We focus on minimising carbon emissions and reducing energy consumption to meet regulations and support the all-critical sustainability agenda.
A Levels BBB (including Mathematics and a Science, preferably either Chemistry or Physics)
T-level (‘merit’ or above) in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject area, with ‘merit’ or above in
Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics
Building Services Engineering Technician level 3 apprenticeship
DD alongside grade Pass or
Distinction at EPA
and
5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
Civil engineering
The Ridge team of civil engineers has an exceptional track record, delivering successful outcomes for clients.
Always ensuring the efficient use of financial, human and natural resources, they consistently drive maximum project value. This is a team that supports its clients at various stages of a project lifecycle, focused on infrastructure that surrounds our everyday lives.
This means you’ll be involved in combining conceptual and detailed design with topographical and measured site surveys, project management, contract administration, site supervision and resident engineer services.
A Level BBB (ideally must include Mathematics and a Science in either Chemistry or Physics)
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
DDM in an Engineering subject area (minimum of merit in Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics)
Civil Engineering Technician level 3 apprenticeship DD alongside grade Pass or Distinction at EPA
and
5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
Cost management
Cost managers are integral to the development process, engaging with teams and the supply chain to challenge and inform design choices and drive efficiency at every stage.
Joining the cost management team will immerse you in Building Information Modelling (BIM), whole life costing, environmental and sustainable solutions, and value and risk management processes. You’ll be involved in helping clients identify opportunities to maximise value and manage risk, securing funding streams and offering enhanced capital allowance advice.
Chartered Surveyor (RICS Quantity Surveying and Construction Pathway)
Entry requirement (any of the below):
A Levels BCC
Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction
Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained.
and
5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
Project management
Our project managers provide strong and decisive leadership at every project stage: from inception and briefing, through design, planning, procurement and construction, closing the journey out with completion and post-contract care.
You’ll work collaboratively with clients and supply chains, helping facilitate a project team ethos where everyone contributes towards achieving the very best solutions.
Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical through
which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained.
You’ll be part of a team that explores building and infrastructure solutions to optimise the performance of the foundations, frames and façades, and quantify the implications for energy usage and environmental impact. Our engineers also use the latest analytical and 3D modelling software to quickly and efficiently develop and test design options.
A Level BBB (ideally must include Mathematics and a Science in either Chemistry or Physics)
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in an Engineering subject area (minimum of merit in
Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics)
Civil Engineering Technician level 3 apprenticeship DD alongside grade Pass or Distinction at EPA
and
5 GCSEs C/4 in Maths and English or equivalent
Planning
Our specialist planning team at Ridge works with landowners, developers and public sector organisations throughout the UK. We help shape places, delivering expert advice and solutions that turn our clients’ visions into reality.
As a graduate planner with us, you’ll be actively involved working directly with clients from day one, as part of a collaborative team. You’ll contribute to diverse, high-profile projects that create a lasting impact on local communities and the built environment. Our structured APC training programme will guide you towards your MRTPI qualification, setting you up for a rewarding and successful career.
Infrastructure planning and sustainable development
Historic conservation
Hear from our people
I’ve been allowed to go at my own pace, shadow my team, work with my mentor and develop my soft skills. If anyone in my team has something interesting to see, I’m the first person that comes to mind – they all love to help.”
Rianna Patel
Apprentice Building Surveyor, London
Ridge provides all the training and support that I need to become qualified. My colleagues are all very knowledgeable and approachable, and an APC lecturer is here each month who’s available for one-to-one chats. I certainly haven’t been pigeon-holed into one type of project or sector and I’m never bored!”
Cameron Howard
Graduate Building Surveyor, London
I’ve been exposed to so many activities and people. The team has introduced me to clients and contractors and I’m encouraged to have a voice in meetings. This has all really helped my personal and professional development.”
Olivia Arnold
Apprentice Cost Manager, Birmingham
I’m working towards my IEng, there’s been a lot of focus on learning and development, and my managers will happily take hours out of their day to explain things. Ridge employed me as a graduate after I became disabled. The Disability and Neurodivergent inclusion group is great as it’s meant I’ve met people from other offices.”
I was a technician at Ridge when I was encouraged to study for a degree, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve had all sorts of unique and interesting experiences and no day is ever the same.”
Mike Roper
Apprentice Civil and Structural Engineer, Manchester
From day one at Ridge my team has trusted me to contribute to a wide range of interesting projects which means I’m always taking on fresh challenges. It’s fantastic to work alongside people who are genuinely invested in the development of my career in planning.”
Lydia Faizey
Graduate Town and Country Planner, Cheltenham
What sets us apart
Progress with purpose
We'll challenge you to reach your full potential with a top-to-toe plan that develops your professional, technical and personal skills - delivered by people who care.
Wellbeing built in
Proudly named one of the UK's Best Workplaces for Wellbeing (Great Place to Work UK), our inclusive culture supports you to thrive without barriers.
Greener by design
We lead, collaborate and embed Net Zero Carbon principles into all that we do - whether under our own roof or on our clients' projects.
Time to unwind
From darts to mountain climbs and charity fundraisers, our social events bring everyone together to relax, connect and enjoy time beyond the desk.
Six steps to your new career
Application online
Mid-December 2026
You’re over the starting line! This will give us a clearer picture of what you’re all about.
Assessment
January 2027
An invitation to an assessment means you can be sure you’ll have a chance to find out all about us - and of course, us about you!
Interview
February 2027
As our values are an important aspect of life at Ridge, we’ll use this time to make sure we’re all on the same page.
Offer
March 2027
Yes, we have a perfect fit! The day is here when we’ll make you an offer to come and join us
Onboarding
Summer 2027
The hard work’s done so now we make sure the build-up to Day One in the office is smooth.
Start
Autumn 2027
We’ll welcome successful apprentices in September and graduates in October.
Your Future Talent journey starts here
If you have any questions about Elevate or Evolve, get in touch or
Ridge is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law.
