Work Experience is for students in the UK who are working towards their GCSEs, A‑levels, or equivalent qualifications.
Are you curious about how the things you learn in school come to life in the real world?
If you’re excited by STEM (Science, Technology, English and Maths) subjects and want to discover how engineers, designers and consultants shape the places we live, work and play, then Curtins’ Work Experience Programme could be the perfect next step for you.
With so many career paths in the built environment, we’re looking for bright, diverse, creative people who are ready to explore what their future could look like.
Our Work Experience programme typically lasts 1-2 weeks. During your time with us, you’ll be paired with a dedicated mentor who will support you throughout your placement, answer your questions, and help you get the most out of your experience. You’ll take part in hands‑on activities across Curtins’ core specialisms, including Civil and Structural Engineering, Geo‑Environmental Engineering, and Transport Planning, giving you a real insight into how our teams bring projects to life.
You’ll also spend time with several of our technical teams so you can explore the different disciplines we work in. We’ll do our best to match your interests where possible, depending on team capacity and the office you’re based in.
Other professions are also an exciting and dynamic part of the construction industry, such as HR, Finance, Marketing and IT. At Curtins, we can offer a placement focused entirely on these areas at our Liverpool headquarters.
Our work experience programme is open to students in Years 10 to 13 (ages 14 -18) who are curious about careers in STEM and want to explore what the industry is really like. You don’t need any prior knowledge of engineering or the built environment - just enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make the most of the opportunity.
We welcome students in secondary school, sixth form or college who are in full‑time education and have not yet started higher education. Placements typically last 1-2 weeks and usually take place during school half‑term breaks or in the summer term. Whether you’re interested in technical or non‑technical roles, you’ll gain valuable insight into the workplace and discover the wide range of career paths available at Curtins.
“Curtins provided a useful representation of what it is like to work in an inclusive and innovative engineering consultancy. Now, I have the knowledge I need to make the right decisions when entering the Engineering Industry. Overall, I enjoyed my time spent at Curtins. I learned a lot about all the different departments and what they do, and I would recommend them to anyone who also wants to learn more about Civil and Structural engineering professions.” John, Year 9, St.Anselm’s High School.
Our Work Experience application form is open all year round, and we welcome students across all of our offices. If you’re ready to learn, explore new skills, and gain real experience with an expert engineering consultancy, simply follow the link below to apply.
When completing the form, you’ll be asked to select your preferred date and office location. If you’re flexible and would like to increase your chances of getting a placement, you’re welcome to submit more than one application for different dates.
The application will also ask you about your interests and skills, so take your time and make your answers thoughtful. We receive lots of applications, and we do require a minimum standard, so a well‑completed form will help you stand out. We’re excited to hear from you - good luck!
You don’t need industry experience to join our Work Experience Programme, just the right attitude and a genuine interest in learning. Here are the skills and qualities that will help you make the most of your week with us:
A real curiosity for engineering and the built environment
Creativity and an open mind
Good communication skills
Teamwork
Commitment and enthusiasm
Confidence with basic Maths and English
Our programme is designed to help you grow these skills even further, so bring your curiosity, your energy, and your ideas, and we’ll help you build the rest.
“My mentor was incredibly supportive and helped guide me through tasks and assignments. He was always available to help and made me feel welcome. He answered all the questions I had about the job. Curtins is a great company with respectful aims and supportive colleagues.” Sophia, Year 11, St. Bedes College.
Our programme includes a mix of project-related tasks and online learning. During your placement, you can expect to:
Gain experience completing project-related tasks
Use engineering and design software, and observe how tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D and Tekla Structural Designer support real project work
Learn the basics of interpreting architectural and engineering drawings
Support general administrative tasks relevant to project workflow
Develop interpersonal and teamwork skills by working alongside engineers, technicians and transport planners.
“Amazing work environment and highly supportive staff. The work and introduction to the company were well laid out and easily understandable. The work was challenging and new, providing great exposure to structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering.” George, Year 12, Sandringham School.
NewsLast week, we welcomed John, a student from a local high school, for a week of work experience. During his time at Curtins, he explored our company values, gained insight into our history and the engineering industry today. Read on to discover his reflections from the week...
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