Black & White Engineering (B&W), which specialises in sustainable MEP data centre design services, operates in 44 countries worldwide. In the UK, it has offices in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and London.
The data centre industry is one of B&W’s fastest-growing markets. Over 90% of the global team is entirely focused on data centre design.
The company’s graduate programme is a two-year, comprehensive initiative designed to attract and develop the brightest new talents in engineering design. With a focus on hands-on experience, the programme offers graduates a structured career path at B&W.
Catherine Allen, Global Learning & Development Partner at B&W, said: “The programme is pivotal in nurturing the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary in engineering design and decision-making. The initiative demonstrates B&W’s commitment to fostering the next generation of design engineering talents and cultivating a workforce that enjoys long and fulfilling careers at B&W, contributing significantly to our fields of expertise.”
Graduates are integrated into specific teams, such as the data centre team, where they focus on developing discipline-specific knowledge and skills. The programme’s unique structure includes a secondment to different teams, enabling graduates to broaden their experience and learn about new disciplines. This approach fosters a well-rounded understanding of B&W’s entire business and the services offered.
Steven Horn, UK and Europe Director at B&W, said: “Our graduate pathway programme highlights B&W’s foresight and commitment in shaping the future of the engineering design industry. In a field that’s rapidly evolving and facing significant recruitment challenges, the programme addresses these challenges and also plays a pivotal role in developing future design engineers.
“Through this programme, B&W is strategically investing in the people who will lead and drive our sector forward. It demonstrates our serious commitment to nurturing and harnessing the potential of new talents, ensuring that B&W remains at the forefront of engineering design.
“By equipping graduates with the real-world skills and experience they need, we are effectively building the foundation of an industry that remains robust, dynamic, and forward-thinking.”
The Global Graduate Pathway programme is open for applications year-round, and graduates can be based in any of B&W’s global locations.
Catriona Gluyas, a current Graduate Sustainability Consultant at B&W, said: “From the get-go, B&W’s dedication to my professional growth was evident. Within my first two weeks, I had already completed and passed the BREEAM Associate exam.
“Mentorship is also a cornerstone of the B&W graduate experience. My line manager, mentor, and ‘work buddy’ have been instrumental in helping me transition from university to professional life, offering guidance, support, and insights that have been crucial to my development.
“Overall, the combination of targeted training, personalised mentorship, and continual professional development opportunities has not only sharpened my skills but also prepared me for a promising career in sustainability design consulting. It’s great to be a part of such an exciting, rapidly growing organisation.”
