Summer Placement Design Engineering

Design Engineering Summer Placement Programme

LET’S CUT STRAIGHT TO IT

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.

• 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.

During the 8‑week or 12‑week placement you will be based at our 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…