Engineering Industrial Placements Programme (RESPECT)

Engineering is all about applying solutions to diverse problems. Reinforcing our teaching, work experience gives a student the opportunity to experience real-life problems and a company an opportunity to sample from the best students. 

What is RESPECT?

RESPECT is an initiative for Civil Engineering undergraduate students and builds on our strong links with industry to provide a symbiotic relationship between training, education and employment.

Companies taking part in RESPECT each year look for motivated, enthusiastic engineers. They are all looking for talented engineers which is why they come to Birmingham! All will recruit for summer or industrial year placements and some look for long-term sponsorship and development during your time as a student. This gives you flexibility to use the Department’s industrial contacts to your benefit: whether you want to look for the security of a commitment between you and your company, or whether you want to get as much variety of experience as you’re able.

If you’re lucky enough to be offered sponsorship, not only does it mean valuable paid work experience, it also means a bursary per subsequent year of study (the bursary is up to the company but if it is offered, it is usually in the region of £1,000-£1,500 pa). All companies taking part in RESPECT hope to offer a possible job upon graduation

How can I get involved?

The RESPECT programme is open to any civil engineering and related company. All continuing undergraduate students (Home/EU and International students) are eligible to apply. That means 1st, 2nd and (for MEng) 3rd year students can apply.

RESPECT starts in the autumn term where you get to meet the companies taking part and send in your application. Interviews are arranged for early in the spring term, after which we hope as many students are offered placements as possible, usually with 2-3 weeks of the interview day. You’ll then sign up with your company and arrange all the details of your placement: location, dates, salary, etc.

Which companies take part?

We’re privileged to work with some of the best names across civil engineering and regularly enjoy new companies coming to take part. The exact list changes each year as companies come and go. In 2017 AECOM, Amey, WSP, Interserve Construction, Mouchel, Atkins, Arcadis, Laing O'Rourke, Sweco, Geoffrey Osborne, Waterman Aspen, Kier Strategic Highways, Siemens Rail, CH2M and Dawnus took part. Most years Arup, North Midland Construction, Morgan Sindall and other companies join too. Students will work on projects ranging from our very own developments on campus, to all sorts of design and construction schemes.

Any other questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Please contact Jenny Steere, Industrial Liaison Officer, School of Engineering, on j.steere@bham.ac.uk / (+44) (0)121 414 5061, for more information on the scheme, or for your company to become involved.