M&E Placement Student

Wessex Water is offering a unique opportunity for undergraduate engineering students who are looking for an industrial placement year. You will be part of a team delivering multi-million-pound engineering projects that will have a positive impact on society and the environment.

We are one of the few water companies with our own internal design and construction capability that is used at different stages of construction from feasibility through to commissioning. This capability means Wessex Water has a large workforce with a range of experience encompassing all aspects of engineering.

Our renowned Mechanical and Electrical placement student programme has grown over the years and is supported by our graduate engineers and former placement students so that you make the very best out of your year with us.

What you'll do

As a Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineering Placement Student within the Engineering Delivery arm of Wessex Water, your role can involve tasks as varied as:

• carrying out site surveys
• project planning
• engaging with various contractors
• commercial activities
• procurement
• attending design meetings to learn about the design and construction process
• inputting your ideas to help achieve our goals.

You will also take part in various on-site activities with advice and guidance from senior and experienced Engineers.

You can access professional technical qualifications within defined programmes that are accredited by professional engineering institutions, such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

You will experience the variety of challenges and tasks that come with engineering and construction and will be expected to work alongside colleagues in both an office and construction site setting.

The role is varied with no two days being the same, and will run from July 2027 until August 2028.

What you'll need

You must be currently undertaking an undergraduate mechanical or electrical engineering degree.

We are looking for hard-working, punctual students who have a genuine interest in engineering and in particular the water industry.

We expect you to:

• be flexible, know how to connect with others
• pride yourself on being proactive and bringing positive, bright ideas to the team
• feel comfortable taking responsibility for tasks and projects you've been assigned
• be able to manage your own time and adapt to change
• be driven to succeed, aspire to excellence and think outside the box.

This role will involve travelling around the Wessex region, so possession of a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. Mileage will be reimbursed at the HMRC-set rates.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a one-hour interview, focusing on your engineering interests, experiences to date, aims for a placement year, and time for you to ask current placement students any questions you might have. You may be called back for a further interview.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to sell up to five days of holiday every year.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days of holiday each year (subject to conditions).
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• The opportunity to lease a new electric car through salary sacrifice (subject to conditions).
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• Access to an interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from trained mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone who is successfully recruited by us. 

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 450-acre former airfield into an award-winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors
• YTL Live – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 20,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space
• plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.