At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us for an 8-week summer placement and work on real projects that matter.
- Company: Mott MacDonald, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Engage in fun social events and contribute to community initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while exploring your interests in various sectors.
- Qualifications: Must be enrolled in a degree course; proactive and effective communication skills required.
2026 UK Summer Placement Programme
Join Mott MacDonald for an 8‑week summer placement. The closing date is 31st December 2025, and applicants will receive an update in January or February 2026.
Intake dates: Monday 22 June and Monday 6 July. At application you’ll indicate your preferred start date.
Job Description
At Mott MacDonald, placements are a launchpad for your future. They go beyond work experience, welcoming curiosity, valuing ideas and supporting growth every step of the way.
What Makes This Placement Different?
Opportunities span a wide range of sectors and teams – engineering, sustainability, digital innovation or business operations. You’ll explore your interests and contribute meaningfully.
Placements are flexible, giving you ownership, real projects, and learning from graduates, experienced professionals and fellow students.
Available sectors: Buildings, Energy, Transport, Water and Environment.
What You’ll Experience
- Collaboration & Community: Work alongside diverse teams, supportive and purpose‑driven.
- Real‑World Impact: Contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference to business, communities and the world.
- Learning & Growth: Gain hands‑on experience, develop new skills and discover what drives you.
- Belonging & Inclusion: Be part of a culture where everyone is respected, heard and empowered.
Your Journey Starts Here
Through the application you’ll explore opportunities based on degree discipline, sector interests and preferred location. If invited to interview, we’ll dive deeper into the specific role and alignment with your strengths.
Candidate Specification
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a degree course at university. Graduates in 2026 with no plans to enrol further are encouraged to consider our graduate opportunities.
We’re Looking For Students With The Following Characteristics
- Proactive initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
- Effective and clear communication with clients and colleagues.
- High‑quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
- Structured and analytical problem‑solving approach.
About Our Summer Placements
We are looking for highly motivated students passionate about learning from industry experts. You’ll gain invaluable experience on projects shaping tomorrow’s world.
We emphasise realistic insight into our innovative industry, giving you a clear view of the sector you may want to join.
Many graduate scheme recruits are students that impressed us during placements, making this a potential start of a promising career at Mott MacDonald.
We’re a living wage employer, offering a competitive hourly rate for the placement.
Our Social Side
Beyond work, you’ll have opportunities to expand your professional and social network, join sports and charity events, and engage in community initiatives. Feel free to suggest new events or initiatives.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Mott MacDonald places equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business. We promote fair employment procedures, ensure equal opportunities and encourage expression of individuality.
Agile Working
We believe in agility, flexibility and trust, allowing you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet client, team and personal commitments.
More About Mott MacDonald
We are a global engineering, management and development consultancy. Our purpose is to improve society, focusing on social outcomes, excellence, digital innovation and transformation of clients\' businesses and communities.
Values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.
Location(s)
Altrincham, GB; York, GB; Croydon, GB; Norwich, GB; Glasgow, GB; Cardiff, GB; Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB; Reading, GB; Manchester, GB; Brighton, GB; Cambridge, GB; Edinburgh, GB; Leeds, GB; Sheffield, GB; London, GB; Southampton, GB; Bristol, GB; Birmingham, GB; Exeter, GB.
Contract Type
Contract.
Work Pattern
Full Time.
Market
Various.
Discipline
Civil.
Job Ref
11678.
Recruiter Contact
earlycareers.recruitment@mottmac.com.
2026 UK Summer Placement Programme in Croydon employer: Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, where students can engage in meaningful projects across various sectors such as engineering and sustainability. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, personal growth, and social responsibility, employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute to real-world impacts while enjoying a vibrant community culture. The company also provides competitive compensation and numerous opportunities for networking and professional development, making it an ideal place for aspiring professionals to kickstart their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 UK Summer Placement Programme in Croydon
✨Hit Up Engineering Meetups
Get yourself out there and attend engineering meetups and events in your area. Not only can you learn about the latest trends, but it’s a fab chance to meet professionals who could point you towards placements, including those at companies like Mott MacDonald.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t forget to tap into your university's career services. They often have exclusive placement opportunities and can connect you with companies actively looking for engineering students during recruitment seasons. Plus, they might have some tips specifically tailored for getting into firms like Mott MacDonald!
✨Participate in Relevant Projects
Get involved in engineering projects or collaborate on university initiatives. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers like Mott MacDonald that you're proactive and passionate about engineering, and it can lead to networking opportunities that land you a placement.
✨Apply Early and Often
Placement opportunities can slip away quickly, so make sure you're applying as soon as they're advertised. Keep an eye on our website for openings with firms like Mott MacDonald, and consider applying to multiple roles to increase your chances of finding the perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 UK Summer Placement Programme in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:As an engineering placements applicant, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, be it in university or personal initiatives. We love seeing your hands-on experience, so don't shy away from including details about the technologies you used and the problems you solved.
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:When crafting your CV, focus on engineering-specific skills and tools you're familiar with. Mention software proficiency, technical skills, and any engineering-related modules or coursework that showcase your knowledge and experience relevant to the role at Mott MacDonald.
Express Your Enthusiasm!:In your cover letter, take the chance to express why you're excited about this placement at Mott MacDonald. Highlight how this opportunity aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Your motivation is just as important as your qualifications!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any engineering certifications or completed online courses that enhance your skills, be sure to mention them. These little extras can really boost your application and show that you're keen to learn and develop as an engineer during your placement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
For an engineering placement like the one at Mott MacDonald, make sure you're well-versed in the fundamental concepts relevant to the specific engineering discipline you're applying for. Be prepared to tackle a few technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your understanding of essential theories.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio of projects can really set you apart. Whether it's your academic work, personal projects, or technical challenges you've tackled, be ready to discuss them. If possible, bring any relevant materials along, as visual aids can help you articulate your thought process and design choices more clearly in the eyes of your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
In the engineering field, it's not just about knowing the theory; you'll often have to solve real-world problems on the spot. Make sure you can approach a problem methodically, explaining your thought process. Practice common engineering scenarios or case studies related to your desired role to build your confidence.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is a placement, employers at Mott MacDonald are looking for potential over perfection. Be upfront about what you hope to learn and how passionate you are about growing in the engineering field. Show that you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to absorb knowledge and gain experience from seasoned professionals.
