At Tilbury Douglas, you won’t just be taking a year out from university – you’ll be helping to deliver essential infrastructure that makes a real difference to people and communities.
Our Year Out Placement gives you the opportunity to put your Civil Engineering studies into practice while gaining substantial experience as part of a live project team. As a placement Civil Engineer, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers and construction professionals, developing your technical and practical skills and gaining a first-hand understanding of how engineering designs are transformed into completed projects.
Why we love construction
Hear from our colleagues about why they love working in construction and their advice on how to gain work experience and get into the sector!
You’ll help support the delivery of important water infrastructure projects across Yorkshire, building the knowledge, confidence and practical experience that will support your final year of study and future career.
This is a site-based role within our Infrastructure Yorkshire Water Framework team. You will need flexibility to travel across sites in the Yorkshire region as part of your placement.
What you’ll be doing
As a Year Out Civil Engineer, you’ll develop your skills and gain the practical experience you need before returning to university for your final year.
No two days are the same and, with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:
Assist with the planning, coordination and delivery of civil engineering and construction activities.
Carry out setting out, surveying and engineering control activities under appropriate supervision.
Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical information.
Help ensure works are delivered accurately and in accordance with design information, specifications and relevant standards.
Support the preparation of method statements, risk assessments, inspection and test plans, and quality documentation.
Assist with quality inspections and maintain accurate engineering and site records.
Help identify and resolve technical issues in collaboration with engineers, designers and construction teams.
Support the coordination of subcontractors and specialist supply chain partners.
Attend engineering, planning and progress meetings, contributing to discussions as your knowledge develops.
Develop your understanding of temporary works, construction methods and buildability.
Help monitor project progress, quality, health and safety, and environmental performance.
Work collaboratively with design, commercial and operational teams to understand how engineering decisions affect wider project delivery.
Gain experience using digital engineering, surveying and project management tools.
Develop your understanding of sustainability and modern construction methods.
Build strong working relationships with project teams, clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
Take on increasing technical responsibility as your skills, knowledge and confidence develop.
Why this role?
This isn’t just about studying engineering principles – it’s an opportunity to see how they are applied to real projects.
You’ll gain practical experience of setting out, surveying, technical coordination, quality and construction delivery while learning from experienced engineers and construction professionals.
Spending a full year within a project team gives you the opportunity to develop deeper technical knowledge, follow engineering activities over time and take on increasing responsibility as your capabilities develop.
You’ll return to university with practical engineering experience, greater confidence and a clearer understanding of how your studies connect to a professional career in Civil Engineering.
What we’re looking for
We want to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference through construction and the built environment. You’ll bring:
You are currently studying towards a degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline, and undertaking a placement year as part of your studies.
A full UK driving licence, or be working towards obtaining one by February 2027.
Strong problem-solving skills, with a practical and logical approach.
Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility.
Previous placement or site experience is desirable but not essential.
What we offer
Start building your future with a year-out placement designed to help you learn, develop and gain meaningful industry experience.
Twelve months of supported development to build your skills and experience before returning to your final year of study.
Mentoring and guidance from experienced civil engineering and construction professionals.
A competitive salary.
Two volunteering days during your placement.
Opportunities to work on diverse and meaningful projects.
An inclusive culture where your ideas and contributions make a real difference.
Selection Process Timeline
Video Interview – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a video interview. Invitations will be sent between 16 November and 1 December 2026, and candidates will have one week to complete and submit their interview.
Interview – Successful candidates will progress to a formal interview, taking place between 11 and 27 January 2027.
Offer – Successful candidates will receive an offer by the week ending 12 February 2027.
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