Graduate Scheme
We offer two types of graduate scheme; the Business Graduate Scheme and the Engineering Scheme, both of which are for people who have already completed their degree. You can apply in your final year of university and up to two years after completing your degree.
Business Graduate Scheme
The rotational Business Graduate Scheme is designed for those with a passion for business. It comprises of four rotations of six months, with an optional fifth rotation, to give you exposure to different areas of the business. Core rotation areas are commercial, programme management and finance, with other rotations available in tech ventures, motorsport, procurement and more. We offer a permanent job at the end of the scheme.
Application opening date: Early October for the following academic year
Application process: an initial application, a shortlisted interview, and an assessment
“WAE’s unique blend of technical innovation, motorsport heritage, and commitment to global sustainability, along with the opportunity to leverage my academic background in aeronautical engineering and business management, made it very attractive to me. Their rotational programme and close-knit graduate class create the perfect environment for variety and the flexibility to align my work with my ambitions. From day one, I could embrace responsibility and autonomy as senior management placed their trust in me while providing invaluable support.”
John McMahon, Business Associate
Engineering Graduate Scheme
The Engineering Graduate Scheme is designed for those with an engineering degree and passion and talent for the subject. Spanning across all areas of engineering, they are flexible in nature, some featuring rotations across departments, and others within one specific engineering department. The scheme is two and a half years long and we offer a permanent position at the end.
Application date: We advertise for this scheme when positions become available.
Application process: an initial application, followed by a shortlisted interview and a final interview.
Industrial Placements
Open to current university students who have at least one year remaining on their degree and are looking for a one-year placement in industry. These are available in a variety of business functions, including engineering, procurement, commercial, manufacturing, marketing, and motorsport. During the placement, you are integrated into project teams and functional departments.
We take around twenty students a year, with plans to grow this number as the company does. In some instances, previous students have been offered a bursary for their final year at university and a permanent position when they graduate.
Application opening date: Industrial placements are advertised in August/September time for the following academic year
Application process: an initial application and an assessment day. Decisions and offers are shared in November.
“As a placement student at WAE you get to work across a range of fast-paced projects within the world of electrification, gaining invaluable insight into a rapidly growing industry.
You’re given real responsibility from day one, allowing you to put theory to practice & accelerate your career!”
Emma Stein, Business Development Coordinator
Partner Secondment
We created this programme in conjunction with our business partners. It’s designed to focus on information exchange and cross sector learnings and to promote an understanding of alternative business practices and to provide knowledge sharing across different businesses. The scheme was launched in 2019 and has successfully supported more than 4 secondments across 2 partner organisations.
“WAE and BAE have worked on exciting projects together combining their expertise to develop a partnership that sees them innovate aircraft technology. My secondment has allowed me to gain exposure to both sides of the successful partnership which has immensely expanded my professional skillset. Personally, the secondment has been hugely beneficial, I feel more well-rounded as a young professional both in and out of work.”
Sam North, Project Coordinator
Apprenticeships
We take on around five apprentices a year, with plans to increase this number. Apprenticeships are available across the business from manufacturing, engineering to support functions. Information on apprenticeships can be found on the government website. Most of our apprenticeships involve day release during term time for academic study, with on-the-job training at WAE for the rest of the apprenticeship.
We advertise apprenticeships when vacancies are available, so please follow WAE on LinkedIn to keep up-to-date. Apprentices are offered a permanent role upon completion.
“I joined WAE 3 years ago as an apprentice. After 2 years I became a technician, and now I am a Manufacturing engineer. A highlight of my career so far is my role as the lead manufacturing engineer for the Gen 3 battery for Formula E. At WAE the smaller cohort allowed me to structure the apprenticeship the way I wanted. Being an apprentice allows you to earn money while you learn and WAE gives you flexibility to shape the programme to meet your own career goals.”
Hugo Simmonds, Manufacturing Engineer
Work Experience
Due to the confidential nature of many of our projects, we are currently unable to offer work experience placements.
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