At a Glance
- Tasks: Support site management and engineering teams in delivering construction activities on live projects.
- Company: Coffey, a leading water infrastructure and civil engineering specialist.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and enjoy a supportive learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in construction while learning from qualified engineers.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and strong problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and exposure to the full construction lifecycle.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
About The Role
Role Summary: The postholder will support the site management and engineering teams in the delivery of construction activities on live projects. This placement provides hands‑on experience in setting‑out, site coordination, quality assurance, and health & safety compliance. Working under the supervision of qualified engineers, the intern will assist in monitoring site progress, undertaking measurements and surveys, reviewing technical drawings, and helping ensure that works are carried out in accordance with specifications and project requirements. This role is designed to develop practical engineering skills and provide exposure to the full construction lifecycle, from planning and design to on‑site execution. The student will gain experience working with subcontractors, understanding construction methodologies, and learning how project information is managed on site. The ideal candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm for civil engineering, strong problem‑solving skills, and a willingness to learn in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and liaise with other departments to perform commercial/contractual duties.
- Liaise with other departments to provide information to improve the service provided and received by the Commercial / Financial Departments.
- Work closely with various engineering disciplines to deliver Coffey projects.
- Work closely with the site engineers to help with the setting out duties, as per the site requirements, like the setting out of concrete structures, drainage, steelwork, mechanical services etc.
- Application of appropriate software to provide advice, solutions and successful outcomes to achieve project objectives.
- Adopt relevant standards in design to streamline engineering tasks.
- Ensure Health & Safety, Ethical and Quality requirements, both legislative and company specific, are adhered to and taken account of.
- Helping in project tracking through commercial reporting, progress updates and programme management.
- Undertake project administrative duties to meet contract obligations (daily and weekly submissions of project allocations, plant, labour and materials).
- Read and understand the Company's Safety Statement.
- Report any concerns to Line Manager or Senior Management staff.
- Carry out your own work in a safe manner, take precautions when working on or near public roads or water, wear any necessary protective clothing or equipment.
- Comply with the companies HSQE management systems and HSE Legislation.
- Comply with the program and what implication any overrun will have in relation to costs and manpower.
- Assist in liaising with purchasing department to ensure that purchase orders adequately define.
- Attend site meetings as required.
About You
Essential Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
- Effective time management and communication skills.
- A knowledge of Microsoft Office and 2D/3D CAD software.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work on multiple assignments and prioritise conflicting deadlines.
- Strong communication skills to build relationships and explain technical drawings.
- Eagerness to learn, adapt, and work in a team-oriented environment.
- Understanding of Project Management principles.
- Report writing.
Desirable Criteria
- Courage to challenge status quo when driving innovation.
- Some travel required across Coffey sites.
- Some understanding of construction industry.
- Develop and maintain basic commercial awareness.
- Undertake continued professional development (CPD).
- Keep informed of emerging industry trends in technology.
About Us
Coffey is a water infrastructure and civil engineering specialist operating in every major construction sector throughout Ireland and the UK. Passionate about quality and efficiency, this passion drives our belief in delivering projects with the best workforce. The hallmarks of our work are innovative solutions, engineering ingenuity, professional construction management and the highest level of safety and quality. We pride ourselves in nurturing an environment that empowers critical thinking, creative problem‑solving, customer focus, efficiency and flexibility. Coffey values are at the heart of everything we do – Do the right thing, Do it better, Do it together.
Student Site Engineer (1 Year Placement) in Burntwood employer: Coffey
Contact Detail:
Coffey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Site Engineer (1 Year Placement) in Burntwood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university's alumni or local engineering groups. You never know who might have a lead on a placement or can give you insider tips about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteer for projects or internships, even if they're unpaid. This will not only boost your CV but also give you real-world skills that employers love to see.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to site engineering. Use mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Tailor your application to highlight your enthusiasm for civil engineering and your eagerness to learn on the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Site Engineer (1 Year Placement) in Burntwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Student Site Engineer role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework that showcase your engineering knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for civil engineering and explain why you want to join us at Coffey. Be sure to mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves working with technical drawings and software, make sure to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAD software. If you've done any relevant coursework or projects, don’t forget to include those!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coffey
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your mechanical engineering fundamentals before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your knowledge applies to real-world scenarios, especially in construction and site management. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CAD Software
Since the role requires knowledge of 2D/3D CAD software, make sure you can talk about your experience with these tools. If possible, bring examples of your work or projects where you've used CAD to demonstrate your skills and understanding.
✨Understand Health & Safety Regulations
Health and safety compliance is crucial in construction. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure safety on-site. Showing that you take this seriously will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask about the position and the company. This could include inquiries about the types of projects you'll be working on or how the team collaborates. It shows you're genuinely interested and eager to learn more about the role.