Higgins launches 2026 Degree Apprenticeship Management Trainee Programme
Posted 12/11/2025
With demand continuing to rise for degree apprenticeships as a practical alternative to university, offering career progression, real-world experience and freedom from student debts, Higgins has announced the launch of its 2026 Management Trainee Programme.
Building on the success of previous years, which have supported many of Higgins’ current employees into senior roles, the 2026 programme will continue to nurture future leaders across the business. Participants gain hands-on experience while studying for a fully funded industry-accredited construction-related BSc (Hons) degree apprenticeship, combining academic learning with live project delivery across construction, planning, estimating, technical, bid writing, buying and land.
Dominic Higgins, Chief Operating Officer at Higgins Group comments, “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and many of our senior team began their careers through apprenticeship pathways. This programme gives young people the opportunity to earn while they learn, build confidence on live sites, and benefit from mentors across the company. It's about building careers that last and shape the future of our industry.”
The Higgins Management Trainee Programme allows participants to rotate through four core departments over the first 15 months of the five-year degree programme, developing skills and insight into the full scope of disciplines that contribute to the company’s success. During term time, trainees work a four-day week within the business, with one day each week spent at university towards their degree.
Trainees benefit from a structured mentoring scheme, where each individual is paired with a senior member of staff for professional and academic guidance. They also become part of the Higgins Management Trainee Network, which meets bi-monthly to share experiences, support one another, and gain wider exposure to the business.
The programme is fully funded by Higgins, allowing participants to earn while they learn and graduate debt-free. Trainees receive competitive salaries, annual performance-based pay reviews, pension enrolment, and the opportunity to progress into permanent roles within the company.
Freddie’s journey
Freddie joined the programme in September 2025.
“After initially starting a degree at university, I realised that it wasn’t the right path for me, so I decided to pause my studies and explore other options. I started looking into apprenticeships more seriously and discovered the Higgins Management Trainee Programme, which offered the opportunity to earn while I learn.
I’m currently based at Deptford Landings, and it’s living up to all my expectations. I’m really enjoying it. It’s a completely new world from what I’m used to, and it’s so exciting to be part of it.
The support I’ve received from the team and through the buddy system has been amazing. I would really encourage anyone to explore all the options available to them before rushing into a decision, to make sure they choose the path that’s right for them.
This route allows me to apply my practical experience directly to what I’m learning in the classroom, and I believe that combination will really help drive my career forward.”
Kodi's Journey
Now in his second year, Kodi reflects on his experience so far.
“A year into the programme, I’m really enjoying it and learning so much. The time I’ve spent rotating through different departments has been invaluable, and it’s allowed me to meet so many people across the company and gain a real insight into every aspect of the business and how everything is interlinked.
I’m now starting my second year of my degree, and it’s going really well. At first, it was a challenge juggling work and studying, but the support from my team has made such a difference. They’ve been really understanding and encouraging, which has helped me find a good balance between both.
I’d really recommend this route to anyone considering it. You learn so much and get to see how things work in practice, rather than just studying the theory. I’m confident I’ve made the right choice and I’m excited about what the future holds.”
Applications are now open.
The deadline for applications is 16th February 2026.
To find out more about Building Your Future, Higgins Management Trainee Programme, and to complete the application, please visit:
https://www.higgins-group.co.uk/about/working-with-us/management-trainee-programme/
