Up to 12 month student placement: 1st September 2026 to 28th August 2027
Location: Remote, with regular travel across our Wales & South West region required. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/wales-and-south-west
Our team & opportunity
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 Asset Management 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 asset management experience but knowledge of engineering, business planning, project management, health, safety and welfare standards, and an understanding of complex heritage and environmental issues.
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=ygUoY2FuYWwgJiBSaXZlciB0cnVzdCB3b21lbiBpbiBlbmdpbmVlcmluZw%3D%3D - 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: Gloucester.
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 the region, you 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).
About the role
Our Asset Management team are important to the success of the Canal & River Trust; the role will involve supporting Trust Engineers and Operational colleagues in the inspection and risk management of a diverse range of national historical assets. As a Student Engineer, you will undertake inspections, monitoring and investigations, prepare design briefs and support operational colleagues with fault finding and repair work to ensure we conserve and enhance our precious waterways for future generations.
As a Student Engineer, this placement offers a unique opportunity to gain asset management experience in a rich operational environment 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 risk-based asset management. This hands-on experience will be instrumental in building your professional skills and knowledge, setting a strong foundation for your future career.
Placement plan:
* Onboarding & Familiarisation.
* Technical training.
* Asset management functional skills.
* Professional development.
* Finance project and transition back to studies.
About you
The successful candidate will be working towards gaining their Civil Engineering degree and will:
* Apply their engineering knowledge to assessing the seriousness of asset defects and problems.
* 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 to support your learning throughout the placement.
* 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: Please you the apply links provided so you can upload a CV and covering letter.
If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Use of AI
We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to assist with drafting their covering letter. This is understandable, however, we kindly ask that you personalise your letter to reflect:
* Your motivations for applying to this opportunity.
* What you have learned about engineering at the Canal & River Trust through your own research.
* Why this specific placement interests you compared to others you may have considered.
Your covering letter should demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the role, as this will help us assess your suitability more effectively. Your submission will be assessed for over reliance on AI and this will be assessed.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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).