Summer Placement Design Engineering

Severn Trent Plc; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company in the UK is offering a Summer Placement in Design Engineering. This role provides a unique opportunity to explore infrastructure project design and development while contributing to sustainable initiatives. The placement lasts either 8 or 12 weeks, based in Coventry or Derby. Candidates must be currently studying a relevant engineering degree at a UK university and have a passion for creative problem-solving and collaboration. Apply now to start your career journey with us!

Benefits

Networking opportunities

Employability sessions

One-to-one support

Senior leader events

Qualifications

• Currently studying at a UK university eligible to work in the UK.
• Passion for Design Engineering, Infrastructure Planning, and sustainable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Gain exposure to digital engineering tools.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Creative thinking

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Studying Design Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related degree

Job description

LET’S TELL YOU MORE

At Severn Trent, we believe everyone deserves more. More care for the environment, more sustainable initiatives, and more support for the communities we serve. That's why we're on a mission to deliver bigger and better things, and we need passionate Summer Placements like you to help us achieve our goals.

Our people and culture are the heart of our success. We're proud to be in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide for employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. With nearly 10,000 dedicated colleagues, we're looking for more brilliant people who are eager to turn challenges into opportunities for a better future.

If you're excited to learn, and ready to make a real impact, we want you on our team.

Our Design Engineering Summer Placement offers a unique opportunity to explore how infrastructure projects are designed and developed within a regulated FTSE 100 business. You’ll gain insight into how we plan and deliver essential water and wastewater assets—from pipelines to treatment facilities—while contributing to the future of sustainable engineering.

The programme comprises working across one of our key teams in Design, Delivery, or Digital Engineering. This placement is designed to give you a real understanding of how engineering solutions are created, refined, and implemented to meet operational and environmental challenges.

THINGS YOU MIGHT LEARN

• Contribute to the design and planning of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Gain exposure to digital engineering tools and techniques used to model and optimise asset performance.
• Understand how design decisions impact construction, operations, and long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve real-world engineering challenges.
• Learn how regulatory, environmental, and commercial factors influence infrastructure design.
• Support the development of innovative solutions that improve efficiency and resilience across our network.
• Explore different areas of the business to understand how design integrates with delivery and operations.

This programme is designed to equip you with the skills and experience to build a successful career in Design Engineering, Infrastructure Planning, or Digital Delivery. You’ll strengthen your technical understanding, creative problem‑solving, and collaboration skills, while gaining exposure to a purpose‑driven organisation focused on delivering essential services.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, because we know that diverse minds bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking—and that’s exactly what helps us grow.

HOW WILL THE PROGRAMME WORK?

During the 8‑week or 12‑week placement you will be based at our Finham office in Coventry or our Raynesway office in Derby, placing you right at the heart of our operations. You will be working day to day with industry professionals, taking lead on projects and real‑life work.

Throughout your time with us, you’ll also benefit from a range of opportunities designed to help you explore your career ambitions, support your development, and ensure you get the most out of your placement:

• Employability Sessions – Take part in three tailored workshops focused on building practical skills and career insights to help you thrive in your future career.
• Networking Lunch – Connect with fellow placement students in a relaxed setting, share experiences, and start building your professional network.
• Alumni Lunch – Meet former interns who have successfully transitioned into full‑time roles at Severn Trent. Hear their stories, gain inspiration, and learn from their journeys.
• Senior Leader Panel Event – Attend an exclusive session featuring senior leaders from across the business. Discover their career paths, receive valuable advice, and be inspired by their insights.
• One‑to‑One Support – Benefit from regular meetings with managers, mentors and the New Talent Team.

Depending on your year of study, the programme could lead to a fast‑track opportunity into another internship programme or even our graduate scheme—helping you take the next step in your career with Severn Trent.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

You will expand your knowledge of project and people management, including learning how to effectively manage and influence stakeholders. You’ll also gain a strong business and commercial acumen, developing your ability to plan strategically with time, cost, and quality in mind, and how to deliver this message successfully to a range of stakeholders.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of why we deliver with our customers at the heart of what we do and how we make sure we communicate this message across our communities.

ABOUT THE PLACEMENT

Programme Duration: 8 or 12 weeks

Entry Criteria

• Preferred individuals with a creative and solution‑focused mindset, and a passion for Design Engineering, Infrastructure Planning, and delivering sustainable water and wastewater solutions.
• Studying degrees like Design Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (with sustainability or infrastructure modules) or any other related engineering‑aligned degree.

You must be currently studying at a UK university and be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We want our employees to care and to have a genuine passion for what we do as a business. We need people who want to make a difference in providing a vital service to our customers, now and for the long‑term.

• A ‘can do’ attitude – someone who’s eager to get involved, takes ownership of their actions, and takes pride in delivering high‑quality work.
• Adaptability and resilience – comfortable with variety and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
• Strong prioritisation and problem‑solving skills – able to assess tasks quickly and take initiative to tackle challenges head‑on.
• Excellent communication and collaboration – confident working across multiple teams and building strong working relationships.
• Curiosity and a growth mindset – keen to learn, ask questions, and continuously improve in a dynamic setting.
• Accountability and integrity – someone who acts responsibly, makes thoughtful decisions, and contributes positively to team culture.
• Creative thinking – willing to challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas, and contribute to innovation.
• Self‑awareness and reflection – open to feedback and committed to personal development.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Severn Trent we are passionate about our people. We want to make sure that we continue to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and cohesive culture that represents the communities and customers we serve. We’re making sure we keep up the progress with our wonderful working groups – LGBTQ+, Women in Operations & STEM, Disability and Ethnicity, who help us with our commitments. Find out more about our commitments to Diversity and Inclusion at Severn Trent.

LET’S GO

Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can’t wait to hear from you.

• Roles close on 13th January 2026 at Midday (12pm)
• Check your diary – face to face assessments will run from February to the end of March
• Start Date 1st June for a 12‑week placement and 29th June for an 8‑week placement

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeatSevernTrent on social media.