Summer Placement Civil Engineer

Kier Group; Lees; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Civil Engineer Student for a Summer Placement in Plymouth. You will gain hands-on experience working on a project, collaborating with a team. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering and will return to university after the placement, which lasts 8 weeks. The role offers mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Hands-on experience

Skill improvement

Networking opportunities

Career insight

Further placement opportunities

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Returning to university upon completion of placement.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, execution, and management of projects.
• Collaborate with team members to support project objectives.
• Conduct research and analysis for project decisions.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to projects.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to problem-solving.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independence

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Full driving licence

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Civil Engineer Student to join our Natural Resources, Nuclear and Networks team based in Plymouth for a Summer Placement. You will be working on our Devonport Dockyard project as part of the Nuclear Sector.

Our Natural Resources, Nuclear and Networks division provides design, build and maintenance solutions to protect the UK's essential services and assets. We work across the water, nuclear and other decarbonised energy, environmental and waterways sectors, delivering sustainable and safe solutions for our clients while protecting and restoring natural habitats.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading construction and infrastructure services company on our placement programme. These programmes are designed to provide experiences and tools for progression within your chosen career.

Location: Plymouth, Devon

Starting Salary: £26,208 per annum

Pathway: 8 Weeks – 40 hours per week

Starting date: July 2026

We are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship to any candidates in this role.

Responsibilities

As a Summer Placement Civil Engineer, you’ll work within the Nuclear team assisting in the planning & coordination, design & management of the project and on-site activities. This role offers hands-on experience, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a foundation in quantity surveying.

What will your day-to-day duties include?

• Assisting in the planning, execution, and management of projects relevant to your field of study.
• Collaborating with team members and stakeholders to support project objectives.
• Conducting research and analysis to inform project decisions and strategies.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and documentation related to project activities.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing to problem-solving and decision-making processes.

Placement details

Kier is committed to encouraging talent and providing opportunities for growth and development. When you join, you will be enrolled onto our summer placement scheme. The programme will take 8 weeks to complete and is designed to immerse you in the world of construction, enabling you to apply learnings in real-world situations and gain practical experiences to support your degree.

Benefits

• Practical experience: gain valuable hands-on experience in your field.
• Skill improvement: develop technical and professional skills.
• Networking: build professional relationships and expand your network.
• Career insight: gain insights into your industry and potential career paths.
• Employment opportunities: increase chances of securing a further placement or graduate opportunity at Kier or elsewhere.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or a related field who can join us on an 8-week placement across July – August. You must be returning to university upon completion of your placement.

Candidate profile

• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ideally hold a full driving licence.

Rewards and benefits

We offer a variety of flexible benefits that you can tailor to your needs. See our benefits information for details.

Diversity and inclusion

We strive to make Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work. Our employees shape Kier's diversity and inclusion initiatives, and our people have had a significant impact on our policies. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria for this role are offered an interview.

Recruitment timeline

• October 2025: Initial applications
• November 2025: Application reviews
• January 2026 onwards: Interviews