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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in building services engineering on exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in innovative construction solutions.
- Benefits: Paid placement, structured training, and potential for graduate programme entry.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in the built environment with real-world experience and support.
- Qualifications: Studying a construction-related degree with a target of 1st or 2:2 classification.
- Other info: Opportunities for relocation across the UK and excellent career progression.
Our Industrial placement programme is designed for the brightest and most ambitious undergraduates. You will benefit from the opportunity to enhance your academic studies with an engaging series of paid work placements that will give you a head start as you enter the world of work. Laing O'Rourke offers undergraduate placements to those students studying a construction related degree. Our Industrial placement programme offers undergraduates a 12‑month placement for those who are passionate about achieving their career ambitions in the built environment. Perform well enough and you may get the chance to join our Graduate Development Programme.
Your Industrial placement will give you an insight into our world‑class project‑based business. You will get hands‑on experience of working on one of our construction sites, along with structured training, group activities, guidance and support which will aid you with your university education. You will also be invited to attend our core six‑week summer programme which has been designed for you to get the most value from the placement. The six learning sessions will complement your practical experience on site.
Role Overview
A Building Services Engineer Trainee assists in the engineering and management of mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) installations throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. They sit within the MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Controls & Automation) Technical Function of the business. For successful candidates, initial experience will be obtained across the MEP disciplines before focusing on either mechanical, electrical, or public health engineering in line with their existing qualifications. The Building Services Engineer Trainee helps to ensure technical excellence and the safe and effective delivery of projects through design, procurement, technical appraisal, installation, commissioning, and handover stages. Off‑site manufacturing solutions, Digital Engineering methods and sustainable technologies are at the forefront of how we deliver projects and trainee Building Services Engineers are key to help drive this for MEP works.
Locations we are recruiting for:
As a project‑led business, the location of our work can vary depending on project needs. This role may require you to be prepared to relocate to project sites across the UK.
Degree subjects we are looking for:
Building Services Engineering, Architectural Engineering or similar.
Career Progression:
Students who complete a successful Industrial placement will be automatically put forward for our Graduate Development Programme. This means you will not need to apply nor go through the assessment centre process.
Entry Requirements:
- You must be eligible to work in the UK without restrictions with a valid work permit, if applicable.
- You will be required to travel and possibly relocate for your rotational placements.
- You must be on target to achieve a 1st or 2:2 degree classification.
- You must be currently studying an accredited degree in your specific field.
Our Application Process
We are committed to providing a clear and supportive recruitment journey. Here is what you can expect when applying for one of our graduate opportunities:
- CV Submission: Submit your CV for review. We will assess your application against the entry criteria for the role you are applying for.
- Online Assessment: You will complete a series of assessments designed to understand how you approach workplace situations, your preferred ways of working, as well as exercises to evaluate your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills.
- Video Interview: At this stage, you will be invited to record responses to two questions set by our hiring team. You will have sufficient time to prepare and ensure you present yourself confidently.
- Teams Interview: Our placement interviews are held via Microsoft Teams which provide you an opportunity to meet the hiring team and for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of questions.
- Outcome: We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your interview within two weeks.
Accessibility and Support
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us earlytalent@laingorourke.com.
The Industrial Programme will commence in 2026 and is only available in the UK.
2026 Building Services Industrial Placement employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Building Services Industrial Placement
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Laing O'Rourke and their projects. Understanding their values and recent work will help you stand out in interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even referrals, which can be a game changer for landing that placement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your video and Teams interviews by rehearsing common questions. Get a friend to do a mock interview with you so you can nail your responses and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at Laing O'Rourke and ready to kickstart your career in building services.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Building Services Industrial Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the Building Services Engineering field. Keep it clear, concise, and tailored to the role – we want to see your passion shine through!
Ace the Online Assessment: This is your chance to show us how you think! Take your time with the online assessments and approach each question thoughtfully. Brush up on your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills beforehand – practice makes perfect!
Prepare for the Video Interview: When it comes to the video interview, preparation is key! Think about your answers to the questions we might ask and practice speaking clearly and confidently. Remember, this is your moment to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the role!
Stay Engaged and Follow Up: After your interview, don’t hesitate to reach out! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your interest. Plus, if you have any questions about the process or the role, we’re here to help – just drop us a line!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Building Services Engineering and the specific MEP disciplines. Familiarise yourself with current trends in sustainable technologies and digital engineering methods, as these are key to the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the built environment and your career ambitions. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to the field and how they align with the company's values.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since the role involves working closely with teams, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively, especially in a construction or engineering context, and how you contributed to achieving project goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared about the company culture, the training programme, or specific projects. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.