Civil Engineering Summer Placement

Description

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone working towards a degree in Civil Engineering, or a closely related subject, to gain some valuable experience working with other professionals across a variety of interesting projects. Transport Scotland offers a real opportunity to help shape the future of transport in Scotland – for people, the economy and the planet.

Our Summer Placements are for a period of up to 12 weeks during June-September, subject to start date. We can accept applications from students at any stage of their degrees provided it is not their final year. Candidates must be returning to university in Autumn 2026.

Responsibilities

The main duties will involve supporting a team of existing chartered technical professionals engaged on delivering Transport Scotland’s business plan on behalf of Scottish Government.

The work will be varied and challenging and will require an understanding of engineering principles and an awareness of current political issues. Successful candidates will be expected to work with the minimum of supervision and therefore must have an appreciation of their personal strengths and development needs.

Successful candidates where possible will be placed in one of Transport Scotland’s Directorates that best fits their particular skills and career expectations.

Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate that they are working towards a degree in Civil Engineering, or a closely related subject (such as highways and transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, etc.) and that they are members of a relevant Professional Institution at an appropriate level.

Candidates must be returning to university in Autumn 2026.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Behaviours

• Lead Criteria: Working Together - Level 1
• Making Effective Decisions - Level 1
• Communicating and Influencing - Level 1
• Developing Self and Others - Level 1

How To Apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

In the event of a high number of applicants, an initial sift will be conducted using the CV and supporting statement on the Lead Criteria Working Together behaviour as listed above. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against the rest of the Behaviours.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 30 March 2026 however this may be subject to change.

About Us

Transport Scotland is the national transport agency, seeking to deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system for the benefit of the people of Scotland. Transport Scotland is accountable to Parliament and the public through Scottish Ministers, with a budget of around £4 billion per year. Transport is a vital feature of the Scottish Government's focus on increasing sustainable economic growth, and transport investments and policies have major impacts on the economy, people, and the environment.

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. You will be required to be office-based twice per week.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Apply Before: 1st March 2026 (23:59)