Student Engineer (Placement from 1st September 2025 to 28th August 2026)

Job Purpose

Job Title: Student Engineer

Contract: **** 12 month student placement - 1st September 2025 to 28th August 2026 ****

Advertised Salary: £23,242 + benefits

Location: Remote, with regular travel across our Yorkshire & Northeast network required.

We're the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays it's part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions. Our Engineers play a key role in supporting our vision and in delivering our Waterways and Wellbeing strategy across the country. We are open and committed to develop, train and support people in their personal and professional development, at all stages of their careers.

We are currently looking for a Student Civil Engineer, ideally wishing to undertake an industrial year placement as part of a Civil Engineering Degree.

In the Student Engineer role, you will be part of a small Engineering team, working alongside highly experienced engineers from a variety of backgrounds, all dedicated to preserving this important part of our industrial heritage. You will gain not only engineering experience but knowledge of business planning, project management, health, safety and welfare standards, and an understanding of complex heritage and environmental issues. You will have the opportunity to explore other aspects of the business; we have a number of specialist support teams that you will have the opportunity to work alongside, widening your professional and technical knowledge.

At the Trust we offer a placement which supports the growing awareness and knowledge of many elements which are critical to ensure protection of waterways. We promote a Trust wide Emersion Scheme which allows you access to operational delivery departments and current work practices. The example of business areas are:

• Project Management
• Design and Delivery
• People Team
• Central inspection
• Asset Management
• Commercial Team
• Sustainability

Our aim is to provide transparency of current working practice which supports awareness of functional business areas at Canal & River Trust. Want to hear more?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlC5Palpu4A - Meet one of our Principal Engineers, Helen.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpYuOnLASMA&pp=ygUoY2FuYWwgJiBSaXZlciB0c... - promoting women in engineering.

Check the links below to learn more about us:

• How we make a difference (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-a-difference)
• Our Specialist teams -Engineering (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/engineering)

Location & coverage

Our Student Engineer vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis , with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required for team working and collaborative meetings. Travel throughout the regional waterway network will also be expected to enable site visits and to shadow colleagues as part of our buddy system. Relevant Hubs: Leeds.

The regularity & flexibility of travel will be discussed further at interview stage.Regular accessibility to the local network is essential to enable progression during this placement.

*** While is not essential to currently live in Yorkshire, must you be willing to relocate and/or regularly travel as the role is hybrid involving travel to the Leeds hub and canal sites across the region.

See our canal network here: (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network).

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

Our Engineering team are important to the success of the Canal & River Trust; the role will involve supporting Trust Engineers in designing and/or managing the design of repairs on a diverse range of national historical assets. As a Student Engineer, you will assist in the design of technical solutions, preparing specifications and briefing documents for our direct labour force (Direct Services), contractors and consultants. It is an extremely varied and interesting role and whether you are delivering innovative solutions, managing the supply chain, or helping to define standards and procedures, you will be working to conserve and enhance our precious waterways for future generations.

As a Student Engineer, this placement offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable engineering experience with a nationally recognised charity. Our organisation often functions as a Client, Designer, and Contractor, allowing you to witness projects evolve from conception to construction. You will work alongside experienced engineers and professionals, gaining insights and mentorship that will significantly shape your career path. Throughout your placement, you will develop a thorough understanding of health and safety practices in the engineering field, as well as a solid grasp of basic engineering principles. This hands-on experience will be instrumental in building your professional skills and knowledge, setting a strong foundation for your future career.

About you

The successful candidate will be working towards gaining their Civil Engineering degree and will:

• Apply their engineering knowledge to develop practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Efficiently manage their own workload and prioritise effectively.
• Communicate well with people at all levels of our organisation.
• Positively represent the Trust to members of the public.
• Be flexible with their working hours and locations.
• Holds a current valid UK Driving Licence is essential in order to support your learning throughout the placement.

Our ideal candidate will be keen to learn new skills to meet the unique demands of the Canal & River Trust and will be confident in dealing with members of the public.

To Apply: click on the "Apply for this job" button and follow the process - complete the application form & upload current CV

If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk

What We Offer

In addition to your salary of £23,242, we offer great holidays and numerous other employee benefits, found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits).

You will also have the opportunity to work with a host of specialists and experts, in very unique environments on a daily basis.

A 12 month work placement with the Canal & River Trust will be exciting as you get to be part of an enthusiastic team who care greatly and passionately about the precious assets we manage and maintain. Have a look at our website for more information about everything we do, you may be surprised.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us

At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.

When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations. Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us]]>