Job Description

About the Trust

We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?



Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Up to 12 month student placement:

1st September 2026 to 28th August 2026

Location:

Remote, with regular travel across our Yorkshire and North East region required. Yorkshire and North East | Where we work.

Our team & opportunity

We are currently looking for a Student Civil Engineer, ideally wishing to undertake an industrial year placement as part of a Civil Engineering Degree.

In the Student Engineer role, you will be part of a small Engineering team, working alongside highly experienced engineers from a variety of backgrounds, all dedicated to preserving this important part of our industrial heritage. You will gain not only engineering experience but knowledge of business planning, project management, health, safety and welfare standards, and an understanding of complex heritage and environmental issues.

Our aim is to provide transparency of current working practice which supports awareness of functional business areas at Canal & River Trust. Want to hear more?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlC5Palpu4A - Meet one of our Principal Engineers, Helen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpYuOnLASMA&pp=ygUoY2FuYWwgJiBSaXZlciB0cnVzdCB3b21lbiBpbiBlbmdpbmVlcmluZw%3D%3D - promoting women in engineering.

Check the links below to learn more about us:

How we make a difference (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-a-difference) Our Specialist teams -Engineering (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/engineering)

Location & coverage

Our Student Engineer vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required for team working and collaborative meetings. Travel throughout the regional waterway network will also be expected to enable site visits and to shadow colleagues as part of our buddy system. Relevant Hubs: Leeds.

The regularity & flexibility of travel will be discussed further at interview stage. Regular accessibility to the local network is essential to enable progression during this placement. While is not essential to currently live in the region, you must you be willing to relocate and/or regularly travel as the role is hybrid involving travel to the Leeds hub and canal sites across the region.

See our canal network here:

(https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network).

About the role

Our Engineering team are important to the success of the Canal & River Trust; the role will involve supporting Trust Engineers in designing and/or managing the design of repairs on a diverse range of national historical assets. As a Student Engineer, you will assist in the design of technical solutions, preparing specifications and briefing documents for our direct labour force (Direct Services), contractors, and consultants. It is an extremely varied and interesting role and whether you are delivering innovative solutions, managing the supply chain, or helping to define standards and procedures, you will be working to conserve and enhance our precious waterways for future generations.

As a Student Engineer, this placement offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable engineering experience with a nationally recognised charity. Our organisation often functions as a Client, Designer, and Contractor, allowing you to witness projects evolve from conception to construction. You will work alongside experienced engineers and professionals, gaining insights and mentorship that will significantly shape your career path. Throughout your placement, you will develop a thorough understanding of health and safety practices in the engineering field, as well as a solid grasp of basic engineering principles. This hands-on experience will be instrumental in building your professional skills and knowledge, setting a strong foundation for your future career.

Placement plan:

Onboarding & Familiarisation. Technical training. Design functional skills. Professional development. Finance project and transition back to studies.

About you

The successful candidate will be working towards gaining their Civil Engineering degree and will:

Apply their engineering knowledge to develop practical and cost-effective solutions. Be self-motivated and able to work independently. Efficiently manage their own workload and prioritise effectively. Communicate well with people at all levels of our organisation. Positively represent the Trust to members of the public. Be flexible with their working hours and locations. Holds a current valid UK Driving Licence is essential to support your learning throughout the placement. Keen to learn new skills to meet the unique demands of the Canal & River Trust and will be confident in dealing with members of the public.

To apply:

Please you the apply links provided so you can upload a CV and covering letter.



If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk



Use of AI

We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to assist with drafting their covering letter. This is understandable, however, we kindly ask that you personalise your letter to reflect:

Your motivations for applying to this opportunity. What you have learned about engineering at the Canal & River Trust through your own research. Why this specific placement interests you compared to others you may have considered.

Your covering letter should demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the role, as this will help us assess your suitability more effectively. Your submission will be assessed for over reliance on AI and this will be

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.



What we offer

In addition to your salary of 23,242, we offer great holidays and numerous other employee benefits, found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits).



We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.



We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All roles are considered on a flexible working arrangement basis, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment. If you require any adjustments or have specific needs, please let us know -- we're here to support you.



All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.



At the Trust, we empower our people to flow and thrive both on and off the water. Our colleagues enjoy a variety of benefits that enhance their lives while working in a place that positively impacts others. We take pride in our people, protecting heritage and preserving wildlife, and we're all about the future of our colleagues and the future generations who love and use our network. Inspired by people, we harness the different ways of working and thinking, ensuring our teams grow and reach their full potential.



Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us