Construction - Summer Placement
At Tilbury Douglas, you won’t just be spending your summer gaining work experience – you’ll be helping to deliver projects that make a real difference to people and communities.
Our Summer Placement gives you the opportunity to experience what it is really like to work in construction and engineering. You’ll work alongside our site teams, gaining practical experience of engineering and construction management while contributing to the delivery of a live project.
This opportunity is ideal for students currently studying towards a degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Construction Management, or a related built environment discipline.
You’ll put what you are learning at university into practice, develop your technical and problem-solving skills, and see first-hand how projects are engineered, managed and delivered.
This is a site-based role within our Regional Building team in South Wales. You will need flexibility to travel across project sites in the region as part of your placement.
You’ll learn from experienced professionals, contribute to real project activity and gain valuable experience to support your studies and future career.
What you’ll be doing
As a Summer Placement Engineer, you’ll develop practical skills and gain valuable experience across operational project delivery.
No two days are the same and, with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:
- Assist with the day-to-day management of site operations, helping to ensure works are delivered safely and in line with the project programme.
- Develop an understanding of how construction and engineering works are carried out safely, efficiently and to the required specifications and standards.
- Contribute to setting out, surveying and engineering control activities on site.
- Support the preparation and review of method statements, risk assessments and quality documentation.
- Observe and support the coordination of subcontractors, suppliers and site teams.
- Attend planning meetings and progress reviews, gaining an understanding of how site activities are planned and coordinated.
- Support site logistics, temporary works and the sequencing of construction activities.
- Work with design, commercial and operational teams to understand and help resolve technical and practical challenges.
- Produce and maintain accurate site records, reports and other documentation.
- Develop an understanding of commercial processes and how programme, cost and operational decisions influence project delivery.
- Gain exposure to modern construction methods, sustainability and the digital tools used to manage and deliver projects.
- Start building strong working relationships with project teams, clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
Why this role?
This isn’t just about observing from the sidelines – you’ll become part of a live project team and gain first-hand experience of how construction projects are engineered, managed and delivered.
You’ll have the opportunity to put your university learning into practice, develop your technical and problem-solving skills, and understand how engineers and construction professionals work together on site.
By gaining experience across both engineering and operational responsibilities, you’ll develop a broader understanding of project delivery and start to identify where your strengths and career interests could take you.
With mentoring and support, you’ll gain valuable skills and practical experience that will support you in your studies and future career.
What we’re looking for
We want to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference through construction and the built environment. You’ll bring:
- You are currently studying towards a degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Construction Management or a related built environment discipline.
- A full UK driving licence, or be working towards obtaining one by February 2027.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a practical and logical approach.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility.
- Previous placement or site experience is desirable but not essential.
What we offer
Start building your future with a placement designed to help you learn, develop and gain meaningful industry experience.
- A structured summer placement designed to build your skills and give you meaningful industry experience.
- Mentoring and guidance from experienced construction and engineering professionals.
- A competitive salary.
- Two volunteering days during your placement.
- Opportunities to work on diverse and meaningful projects.
- An inclusive culture where your ideas and contributions make a real difference.
Selection process timeline
- Interview – Successful candidates will progress to a formal interview, taking place between 11 and 27 January 2027.
- Offer – Successful candidates will receive an offer by the week ending 12 February 2027.
Who we are
Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company, delivering important projects across sectors including healthcare, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and the environment.
The company puts its people at the heart of its success, promoting an inclusive culture where everyone has a voice and different perspectives are valued. Its core values are Everyone has a voice, Do the right thing, Take pride in what you do, and Bring better to life.
Why Tilbury Douglas?
Tilbury Douglas offers the opportunity to work on meaningful, real-world projects while developing within a supportive and inclusive environment. The company places a strong emphasis on career development, innovation, wellbeing and practical learning, demonstrated by its Platinum membership of the 5% Club and recognition of Early Careers employees through national industry awards.
