Early Careers Coordinator

Our client is a leading construction and infrastructure business delivering projects across commercial, residential, rail, and civil engineering sectors throughout the UK. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Early Careers Coordinator to support and develop their graduate, placement, apprenticeship, and undergraduate recruitment programmes. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate talent professional who enjoys building relationships with universities and helping shape the next generation of construction talent.

The Role

As the Early Careers Coordinator, you will be responsible for managing and coordinating the company's early careers strategy, ensuring the successful attraction, recruitment, and development of graduates, placement students, apprentices, and emerging talent across the business. You will work closely with hiring managers, universities, colleges, and training providers to build a strong talent pipeline and deliver an engaging candidate experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the recruitment and onboarding of graduates, placement students, apprentices, and interns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with universities, colleges, and educational establishments.
• Attend careers fairs, graduate events, networking opportunities, and campus recruitment activities.
• Act as the primary point of contact for students, graduates, universities, and internal stakeholders.
• Support the planning and delivery of assessment centres and interview processes.
• Manage the annual graduate and placement programme recruitment cycle.
• Develop initiatives to enhance the company's employer brand within the construction sector.
• Coordinate work experience and internship programmes.
• Track and report on recruitment metrics and programme effectiveness.
• Ensure a smooth onboarding process and ongoing engagement for all early careers hires.
• Work collaboratively with HR, Talent Acquisition, and operational teams to identify future talent requirements.

Requirements

Essential

• Minimum 2 years' experience working as an Early Careers Coordinator, Graduate Recruitment Coordinator, Early Talent Coordinator, or similar role.
• Previous experience within the construction, engineering, infrastructure, property, or built environment sector.
• Proven experience recruiting and supporting graduates, placement students, and apprentices.
• Experience liaising directly with universities, colleges, and educational institutions.
• Strong understanding of graduate recruitment programmes and early careers initiatives.
• Experience organising and attending university careers fairs and recruitment events.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage with candidates at all levels.

Desirable

• Experience working with apprenticeship schemes and levy-funded programmes.
• Knowledge of construction-related degree disciplines.
• Experience with HRIS or Applicant Tracking Systems.
• CIPD qualification or working towards CIPD