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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineers in inspecting and managing historical assets while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, a nationally recognised charity dedicated to preserving waterways.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great holidays, and numerous employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage conservation while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a Civil Engineering degree with self-motivation and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Remote work with travel opportunities across Wales & South West for site visits.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Up to 12 month student placement: 1st September 2026 to 28th August 2027.
Location: Remote, with regular travel across our Wales & South West region required.
Our team & opportunity:
We are currently looking for a Student Civil Engineer, ideally wishing to undertake an industrial year placement as part of a Civil Engineering Degree. In the Student Engineer role, you will be part of a small Asset Management team, working alongside highly experienced engineers from a variety of backgrounds, all dedicated to preserving this important part of our industrial heritage. You will gain not only asset management experience but knowledge of engineering, business planning, project management, health, safety and welfare standards, and an understanding of complex heritage and environmental issues.
Our aim is to provide transparency of current working practice which supports awareness of functional business areas at Canal & River Trust.
Location & coverage:
Our Student Engineer vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required for team working and collaborative meetings. Travel throughout the regional waterway network will also be expected to enable site visits and to shadow colleagues as part of our buddy system. Relevant Hubs: Gloucester. The regularity & flexibility of travel will be discussed further at interview stage. Regular accessibility to the local network is essential to enable progression during this placement. While it is not essential to currently live in the region, you must be willing to relocate and/or regularly travel as the role is hybrid involving travel to the Leeds hub and canal sites across the region.
About the role:
Our Asset Management team are important to the success of the Canal & River Trust; the role will involve supporting Trust Engineers and Operational colleagues in the inspection and risk management of a diverse range of national historical assets. As a Student Engineer, you will undertake inspections, monitoring and investigations, prepare design briefs and support operational colleagues with fault finding and repair work to ensure we conserve and enhance our precious waterways for future generations. This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain asset management experience in a rich operational environment with a nationally recognised charity. Our organisation often functions as a Client, Designer, and Contractor, allowing you to witness projects evolve from conception to construction. You will work alongside experienced engineers and professionals, gaining insights and mentorship that will significantly shape your career path. Throughout your placement, you will develop a thorough understanding of health and safety practices in the engineering field, as well as a solid grasp of risk-based asset management. This hands-on experience will be instrumental in building your professional skills and knowledge, setting a strong foundation for your future career.
Placement plan:
- Onboarding & Familiarisation.
- Technical training.
- Asset management functional skills.
- Professional development.
- Finance project and transition back to studies.
About you:
The successful candidate will be working towards gaining their Civil Engineering degree and will:
- Apply their engineering knowledge to assessing the seriousness of asset defects and problems.
- Be self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Efficiently manage their own workload and prioritise effectively.
- Communicate well with people at all levels of our organisation.
- Positively represent the Trust to members of the public.
- Be flexible with their working hours and locations.
- Hold a current valid UK Driving Licence to support your learning throughout the placement.
- Be keen to learn new skills to meet the unique demands of the Canal & River Trust and will be confident in dealing with members of the public.
To apply:
Please use the apply links provided so you can upload a CV and covering letter. If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk.
What we offer:
In addition to your salary of £23,242, we offer great holidays and numerous other employee benefits.
Civil Engineer - Student Placement employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Civil Engineer - Student Placement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university's career services, professors, and even LinkedIn connections. They might have insider info on placements or know someone at Canal & River Trust who can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Canal & River Trust and its projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to preserving our waterways. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to chat with all sorts of people, from engineers to the public. Role-play common interview questions with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team. Get your CV and cover letter ready and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Civil Engineer - Student Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Personalise Your Covering Letter: Make sure to tailor your covering letter to reflect your motivations for applying. We want to see what excites you about this opportunity and how it aligns with your studies in Civil Engineering.
Show Off Your Research: Do a bit of digging into the Canal & River Trust and mention what you've learned in your application. This shows us that you're genuinely interested and have taken the time to understand our mission and values.
Highlight Relevant Skills: When writing your CV, focus on skills that are relevant to the role. Whether it's project management or health and safety knowledge, we want to see how your experiences can contribute to our Asset Management team.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we find enough suitable candidates, so get your CV and covering letter in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Canal & River Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their projects and how they impact the community. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since this role involves remote work and travel, be ready to discuss your adaptability. Share examples of how you've managed your time effectively or adjusted to changing circumstances in previous experiences. This will highlight your readiness for a hybrid working environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Asset Management team and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This shows you're engaged and eager to learn. For instance, ask about the challenges they face in preserving historical assets or how they approach risk management.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for civil engineering shine through! Talk about what excites you about the field and why you want to work specifically with the Canal & River Trust. Sharing your motivations can make a lasting impression on the interviewers.
