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 offers students studying Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Construction, or a related discipline the opportunity to spend a year working as part of a live project team, putting their university learning into practice while gaining valuable industry experience. You’ll gain hands-on experience across engineering and construction management, supporting the coordination of site activities while developing the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute to the successful delivery of 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 see how projects are planned, engineered and managed on site, while gaining a broader understanding of the people, safety, quality, programme and commercial considerations behind every successful build.
This is a site-based role, located in Shotley Bridge, within our Regional Building team in the North East region. You will need flexibility to travel across project sites in the region as part of your placement.
What you’ll be doing
As a Year Out Engineer, you’ll develop your skills and gain meaningful experience 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 day-to-day management of site operations, helping to ensure works are delivered safely and in line with the project programme.
Develop your understanding of how construction and engineering works are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required specifications and standards.
Contribute to setting out, surveying and engineering control activities on site.
Support the preparation of method statements, risk assessments, inspection and test plans, and quality documentation.
Assist with coordinating subcontractors, suppliers and site teams.
Attend and contribute to planning meetings, progress reviews and project meetings.
Help monitor project progress, quality, health and safety, and environmental performance.
Support site logistics, temporary works and the sequencing of construction activities.
Review drawings, specifications and technical information, developing your understanding of how they are translated into construction activities.
Work collaboratively with design, commercial and operational teams to help resolve technical and practical challenges.
Develop an understanding of commercial processes, cost control and how project decisions affect commercial performance.
Produce and maintain accurate site records, reports and project documentation.
Gain experience in modern construction methods, sustainability and digital tools.
Build strong working relationships with project teams, clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
Take on increasing responsibility as your skills, knowledge and confidence develop.
Why this role?
This isn’t just about observing how a construction site operates – you’ll become part of the project team and contribute to the delivery of real work.
Over the course of your placement, you’ll experience both the engineering and management sides of construction. You’ll develop technical knowledge alongside an understanding of planning, people, safety, quality, programme and commercial considerations.
A full year gives you the opportunity to follow projects and activities over a longer period, build meaningful relationships and take on increasing responsibility as your capabilities develop.
You’ll return to university with practical experience, greater confidence and a much stronger understanding of where your future career could take you.
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, Structural Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Construction Management or a related built environment 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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