2027 UK Industrial Placement Programme in Manchester

The closing date for this programme is Friday 15th January 2027 and you will receive an update on your application in February 2027. Our industrial placements last 10-12 months.

Application process

• Online strengths-based assessment
• Application form (CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process)
• Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Start your career with a global, employee-owned consultancy where your work can make a real difference. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and have the support, learning opportunities, and experience needed to grow your career from day one. We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you.

About our placements

At Mott MacDonald, we believe in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for people to grow, develop and thrive. Our Industrial Placement Programme is designed for ambitious and curious students who want to gain real-world experience, develop their skills and make a meaningful contribution. Whether you're taking a placement year as part of your degree or looking to gain valuable industry experience before continuing your studies, you'll have the chance to work alongside experts across our diverse and innovative business. From day one, you'll be involved in exciting projects that are helping to shape a more sustainable and connected world. You'll gain practical, hands-on experience, develop your technical and professional skills, and gain valuable insight into the industry and the career opportunities available to you. We place great emphasis on providing a genuine experience of life at Mott MacDonald, helping you build confidence, expand your network and put your learning into practice. It's an investment in your future and an opportunity to discover whether this is the career path for you. Many of our graduate recruits began their careers with us as placement students, making a lasting impression during their time with the business. This could be the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career with Mott MacDonald. As a Living Wage Employer, we also offer a competitive hourly rate throughout your placement.

What you can expect

Our placements are as unique as you are. With opportunities across a wide range of sectors, you’ll be empowered to shape your experience around your academic background, interests, and career aspirations. You’ll work alongside graduates, experienced professionals, and fellow students - learning from a variety of perspectives while immersing yourself in our inclusive culture and values. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to contribute to real projects that matter. We don’t follow a rigid structure - and that’s intentional. We want you to take ownership of your journey. The more you engage, ask questions, and get involved, the more you’ll gain. We have opportunities in our Buildings; Energy; Transport; and Water and Environments sectors.

Your Growth, Our Priority

• Real-World Experience: Contribute to meaningful work that aligns with your studies and future goals.
• Supportive Environment: Be part of a team that values your voice, celebrates your achievements, and supports your wellbeing.
• Learning & Development: Build skills, confidence, and connections that will serve you long after your placement ends.
• Inclusive Culture: Work in an environment where diversity is celebrated, integrity is upheld, and everyone belongs.
• Societal Impact: Join a company committed to making a difference — for our people, our communities, and the planet.

Your journey starts here

During the application process, you’ll be able to explore available opportunities based on your degree discipline, sector interests, and preferred location. If you’re invited to interview, we’ll take the time to discuss the specific role in more detail and how it aligns with your strengths.

Candidate specification

To join us for an industrial placement you must currently be enrolled on a degree course at university, however, if you are graduating from your current degree in 2027 with no plans to enrol onto a further course then we would encourage you to explore our graduate opportunities. We’re looking for students with the following characteristics:

• Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.
• Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.
• Delivers high-quality written work with strong attention to detail and clarity.
• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

Our social side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in. From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community. It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. From your first day, you’ll have access to Perks at Work, giving you discounts on cinema tickets, travel, utilities and much more, helping you make the most of our employee benefits.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• Financial wellbeing: We are a living wage employer, so we offer a competitive salary.
• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Health and wellbeing:

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with everyday health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Lifestyle:

• 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes:

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.