2026 Design Management Industrial Placement

Industrial Placement – Design Management Trainee  

Our Industrial placement programme is designed for the brightest and most ambitious undergraduates. You will benefit from the opportunity to enhance your academic studies with an engaging series of paid work placements that will give you a head start as you enter the world of work.   

Laing O'Rourke offers undergraduate's placements to those students studying a construction related degree.   

Our Industrial placement programme offers undergraduates a 12 month placement for those who are passionate about achieving their career ambitions in the built environment. Perform well enough and you may get the chance to join our Graduate Development Programme.    

Your Industrial placement will give you an insight into our world-class project-based business. You will get hands-on experience of working on one of our construction sites, along with structured training, group activities, guidance and support which will aid you with your university education.    

You will also be invited to attend our core six-week summer programme which has been designed for you to get the most value from the placement. The six learning sessions will complement your practical experience on site.    

Role Overview   

The Design Trainee (Architecture & Facades) assists the Design Manager in reviewing design information to ensure that it is in line with the design management procedures for completeness and compliance with contractual obligations, including factors such as programme, buildability, safety, maintenance and technical compliance.  The Design Technician is a member of the Technical Function, which is there to ensure technical excellence, assurance and performance across all projects and opportunities from work winning and early engagement through to detailed delivery and post occupation. The role is aligned with our overall strategy to maximise DFMA, Digital Engineering, and Early Engagement. 

Location we are recruiting for: 

As a project-led business, the location of our work can vary depending on project needs. This role may require you to be prepared to relocate to project sites across the UK.   

Degree subjects we are looking for: 

Degrees in Design and Construction Management or Architecture or Engineering 

Career Progression : 

Students who complete a successful Industrial placement will be automatically put forward for our Graduate Development Programme. This means you will not need to apply nor go through the assessment centre process.    

Entry Requirements:  

You will need to meet the following criteria:    

• You must be eligible to work in the UK without restrictions with a valid work permit, if applicable.   

• You will be required to travel and possibly relocate for your rotational placements.   

• You must be on target to achieve a 1st or 2:2 degree classification.   

• You must be currently studying an accredited degree in your specific field.   

Our Application Process 

We are committed to providing a clear and supportive recruitment journey. Here is what you can expect when applying for one of our graduate opportunities: 

• CV Submission 
  Submit your CV for review. We will assess your application against the entry criteria for the role you are applying for. 

• Online Assessment 
  You will complete a series of assessments designed to understand how you approach workplace situations, your preferred ways of working, as well as exercises to evaluate your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills. 

• Video Interview 
  At this stage, you will be invited to record responses to two questions set by our hiring team. You will have sufficient time to prepare and ensure you present yourself confidently. 

• Teams Interview  
  Our placement interviews are held via Microsoft Teams which provide you an opportunity to meet the hiring team and for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of questions.  

• Outcome 
  We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your interview within two weeks. 

Accessibility and Support 
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us earlytalent@laingorourke.com 

** The Industrial Programme will commence in 2026 and is only available in the UK**