University students who live, or study, in the Midlands are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) on an eight-week paid work placement this summer.
BBV’s undergraduate summer scheme, which is now in its second year, gives students the chance to earn and gain vital work experience in their specialist subject area during the holidays.
The 2023 programme, which begins in July, will include placement opportunities at BBV’s construction sites and offices in South Staffordshire, Birmingham, Coventry, and North and South Warwickshire. The 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
- Project Controls and Planning
- Environment and Sustainable Delivery
- Business Support Functions (Including HR, Procurement, IT and Finance)
Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Senior Legacy Manager for the region said: “We’re passionate about investing in young talent, and BBV’s undergraduate summer scheme is another great example of how we’re supporting young people to launch their careers.
“With a two-decade long construction programme ahead, HS2 provides long-term career prospects to students who live or study in the local area. A summer placement is a great way to get your foot in the door, and hopefully marks the start of an amazing career journey on Britain’s new railway.”
BBV began its undergraduate summer scheme last year, taking on 30 students from across the region. Placements provide a real chance for undergraduates to shine, and last year, two students went 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: “We’d encourage students thinking of joining the industry to take up this fantastic opportunity with us. We believe on-the-job learning is vital and supplements university studies perfectly. That’s why we’re following up on last year’s success to offer students eight-week paid work placements this summer – it’s a great way to get some invaluable industry experience.”
Expressions of interest for the 2023 programme are open now, and prospective candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure one of 30 places.
Malik Al-Maliky from Moseley, Birmingham, who joined the 2022 programme and is now undertaking a Year in Industry placement with BBV’s IT team said: “This placement has given me a great insight into what I hope to do in the future, and I’m now really keen to start moving forward with my career.”
Ryan Masundrie from Coventry also benefitted from last year’s programme, with BBV paying off the remainder of his Chartered Surveyor fees and providing him with a full-time position as an apprentice Quantity Surveyor.
For more information about BBV’s undergraduate placement programme, and details on how to apply, click here or visit the careers page on Balfour Beatty VINCI’s website. The closing date for expressions of interest is 17th February 2023.
Photo credit: HS2 Ltd
