Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain vital work experience in their specialist subject area during the summer holidays.
There are 30 places on this year’s programme and to qualify, undergraduates must live, or study, in the Midlands. All placements will begin in July and include opportunities at BBV’s construction sites and offices in Birmingham, and North and South Warwickshire. Placements are open to candidates studying a broad range of subjects, with opportunities in the following business areas:
- Civil Engineering (earthworks, tunnels and structures)
- Quantity Surveying
- Design Engineering
- Environment and Sustainable Delivery
- Business support functions, including IT and Finance
Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the region said:
“This is an exceptional opportunity for talented undergraduates who want to get a head start in their career and play a part in building Britain’s new railway.
“Prioritising places for those who live locally, or study in the region, helps to retain local talent and for those who excel, the summer programme has led to long-term careers on HS2.”
BBV began its undergraduate summer scheme in 2022 and has provided paid work placements to 30 students every year thereafter. Placements allow undergraduates to put the theoretical element of their degree into practice and can be a real opportunity for candidates to shine. In previous years, stand-out students have gone on to secure full-time employment with BBV paying the remainder of their university fees so they could continue their studies whilst working.
Naomi Bates, Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI said:
“Our summer placement programme is a great way for university students to earn money and learn new skills which are relevant to their future careers.
“There are a limited number of places available for students who live or study in the Midlands, so I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to grab this opportunity with both hands, as soon as possible.”
Expressions of interest for the 2025 programme are open now, and prospective candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure one of 30 places.
22 year-old Aniqa Malik from Bordesley Green, Birmingham joined the 2022 summer programme while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham. During the eight-week course, Aniqa was exposed to a range of work areas but especially enjoyed her time with the design team. Subsequently, Aniqa decided to stay on the project and successfully gained a place as a graduate design coordinator, based at HS2’s Delta Junction.
Aniqa said:
“My summer placement with Balfour Beatty VINCI back in 2022 was an invaluable learning opportunity. I was able to hone my technical abilities, collaborate with professionals in the field, and gain a true understanding of the scope and significance of the HS2 project.
“My decision to return as a full-time employee was made simple by the encouraging atmosphere and growth prospects. Anyone wishing to expand their professional network, get practical experience, and be a part of something truly special should consider this placement.”
For more information about BBV’s undergraduate placement programme, and details on how to apply, visit the HS2 jobs board and search ‘summer placement’. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 4th April 2025.
