At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and innovate structural solutions for precast products in a cutting-edge environment.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in transforming the construction industry.
- Benefits: Gain practical experience, professional development, and work towards chartership.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping sustainable construction methods and achieving net zero carbon by 2050.
- Qualifications: Studying Civil or Structural Engineering with strong numeracy and literacy skills.
- Other info: Dynamic graduate programme starting September 2026 with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
This role does not provide sponsorship. We are looking for bright and committed graduates who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the construction and engineering industry.
At Laing O'Rourke, we are not just building projects – we are shaping the future of construction. Our Explore Manufacturing facility is Europe's most advanced precast concrete centre, where cutting-edge engineering meets sustainable innovation. This is your chance to join a team that is driving change across the UK construction industry.
We are looking for a Structural Engineer summer placement to join our growing Precast Technical Solutions (PTS) team – part of the Explore Manufacturing Design Centre. This is a unique opportunity to:
- Be at the forefront of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) in the UK.
- Work on bespoke precast solutions across building structures, facades, and infrastructure.
- Collaborate with production and bid teams to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable designs.
- Play a vital role in helping us achieve our net zero carbon target by 2050.
Your work will directly influence the way projects are designed, manufactured, and delivered – creating safer, faster, and greener construction methods.
Key Deliverables and Accountabilities of a Site Engineer:
- Designing and checking structural solutions for precast products – from manufacture and lifting to installation.
- Providing value engineering to balance safety, cost, and sustainability.
- Supporting tender and pre-construction teams with structural input.
- Innovating in materials and design to reduce carbon and waste.
- Working across disciplines to develop products that meet client needs while maximising efficiency.
- Become a graduate member of the ICE or IStructE and work towards Chartership.
Location: Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (Worksop)
Degree Subjects: Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering
Professional Accreditation: Institute of Civil Engineering - ICE
The Laing O'Rourke Graduate Development Programme - what can you expect?
Our graduate programme is designed to embrace and develop your capabilities. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to continue learning throughout your career. You will be stretched, challenged and supported by a business that views your personal development and the achievement of professional accreditation as a priority. Our programme will give you the practical experience, technical learning and professional development while being part of some of the most exciting construction and infrastructure projects in the UK.
Our Application Process:
- 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.
- Assessment Centre: Our in-person assessment centres, held at a LOR office, provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of individual tasks, short interviews, and group activities. This is also a chance to experience our culture first-hand.
- Outcome: We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your assessment centre within two weeks.
Entry Requirements:
- Studying a degree course with a clear route to professional accreditation.
- Studying or have obtained a Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering degree.
- Your degree classification should be 2:2 or higher.
- Strong numeracy and literacy skills.
- Flexibility as you may be required to work away.
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.
The Graduate Development Programme will commence in September 2026.
2026 Structural Engineer Summer Placement in Nottingham employer: Laing O'Rourke
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Structural Engineer Summer Placement in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Before your interview, check out Laing O'Rourke's projects and values. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of construction with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Use mock interviews to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on how your skills can contribute to their net zero carbon target and innovative designs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at Laing O'Rourke and making a difference in the engineering world.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Structural Engineer Summer Placement in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you're applying for. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the Structural Engineer position. We want to see how you can bring energy and fresh ideas to our team!
Prepare for Online Assessments: Take some time to practice your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills before the online assessments. These are designed to showcase how you approach workplace situations, so show us your best self!
Nail the Video Interview: When it comes to the video interview, take a moment to prepare your responses. We want to see your personality shine through, so be confident and authentic. Remember, this is your chance to make a great first impression!
Be Ready for the Assessment Centre: The assessment centre is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills in action. Be prepared for individual tasks and group activities, and don’t forget to engage with our culture. We’re excited to see how you collaborate with others!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of structural engineering principles and the latest trends in sustainable construction. Familiarise yourself with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) concepts, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
Laing O'Rourke is all about transforming the construction industry. Be ready to discuss any innovative ideas or projects you've worked on that align with their vision. This could be anything from a university project to personal initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Collaboration is key in this role, so expect questions about teamwork. Think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team, especially in engineering contexts. Highlight how you contributed to achieving a common goal and how you handled any challenges.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Before the video interview, practice answering common interview questions out loud. Record yourself if possible, so you can see how you come across. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview, making it easier to showcase your skills and personality.