Are you the Construction and Engineering Undergraduate of the Year?
We're searching UK universities to find the outstanding Construction and Engineering Undergraduate of the Year. We are looking for a creative thinker, natural problem solver and someone who likes to challenge the status quo.
Applications for the awards are now closed.
Win
A six- to eight-week summer placement or a year in industry on one of Laing O'Rourke's prestigious projects within the UK!
To enter you must:
- be an undergraduate student in your penultimate year or your second year of a four-year course at university
- be studying civil engineering or quantity surveying
- be on track to achieve a 2.1 or above
- have the right to work in the UK after graduation
To enter you must:
- be an undergraduate student in your penultimate year or your second year of a four-year course at university
- be studying civil engineering or quantity surveying
- be on track to achieve a 2.1 or above
- have the right to work in the UK after graduation
What makes an award winner?
We’re looking for people who share our passion for ‘challenging and changing’ the construction industry. So, you’ll be the kind of person who:
- likes to shake up the status quo – because you know there’s a better way and you’re determined to find it
- is a creative thinker and a natural problem solver
- has a keen interest in the construction industry, meaning you’ll be up to speed with the latest developments and newest techniques
Project delivery is a team sport, so you’ll also:
- have excellent communication skills
- be willing to play an active (even leading) role
- use your initiative and drive in the face of a challenge
- be able to work as part of a group, listen to and learn from others around you
How do I win?
Register
Register your details online and answer three questions set by Laing O'Rourke.
Must be completed by 31.01.20
Online tests
Receive an email inviting you to sit three online tests designed exclusively by our partner SHL.
Must be completed by 31.01.20
Submit by 31.01.20
Your details must be submitted and all online tests completed by 31 January 2020.
If you are successful in getting through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 21 February 2020.
Assessment centre
If you pass the online tests and make it to the next stage your application will be reviewed by Laing O'Rourke.
This stage will include an assessment day.
Grand final
The final shortlist of ten students will be invited to the awards ceremony on 4 September 2020 at Canary Wharf, where the award winners will be announced!
Laing O'Rourke and the Construction and Engineering Undergraduate of the Year Award
At Laing O’Rourke we believe talent should be celebrated. We know there are some pretty amazing undergraduates out there – and think it’s time to shine a spotlight on their achievements. That’s why, once again, we’re sponsoring the Construction and Engineering Undergraduate of the Year Award in 2020.
What’s in it for us? Well, we get to engage with students, like you, from universities across the UK. We’ll challenge you to think creatively about the future of our sector and share our insights into the latest developments in project delivery. We’ll show you the many different opportunities open to you and hopefully inspire you to continue on to a career in our industry.
What’s in it for you? In addition to receiving the recognition of respected industry figures, you’ll be in the running for a summer work placement or year in industry on one of our projects. Through the selection process, you’ll also gain first-hand experience of the recruitment methods used by major companies like Laing O’Rourke – putting you ahead of many of your peers. But, most importantly, with an award like this in the bag, you’ll be well on your way to a successful future.
Find out more about us and our graduate opportunities at: careers.laingorourke.com
Hear from previous winners and finalists
Yusuf Shauq
Mechanical Engineering, University of Surrey
Finalist of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2019
This experience has taught me lots of different skills that I will use in my professional career. I would definitely recommend and encourage students to apply to the Undergraduate of the Year Awards because, like me, you might surprise yourself with how well you can do. There is so much you can gain from taking part in the Awards and you could be the winner of your category.
Read the blog
Younas Mahmood
Civil Engineering, University of Manchester
Finalist of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2019
Even though I didn’t win, making it to the final was one of the proudest moments of my life. I had never reached the assessment stage in any application, but now I was a finalist for an award. I have made sure to use this in future applications and updated my social media and CV with all the highlights from the day. This opportunity helped me learn more about assessment centres, gave me interview and presentation practice, and gave me the opportunity to meet fellow undergrads and new friends.
Read the blog Luke Collinson
Mechanical Engineering, University of Manchester
Winner of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2019
One of the things I was worried about is the fact I am so unpolished and inexperienced compared to most of the other applicants – I don’t have family connections in the industry, and I didn’t go to Oxbridge. From feedback from the judges, what really made me stand out was my eagerness to improve my life and my ability to think logically when given a task. Not only would I recommend that everyone apply, but I would also suggest it’s not all about showing engineering/academic material, it’s more about your holistic approach to education and why you have the most potential. I am so thankful to Laing O’Rourke and TARGETjobs for the opportunity to take part in this competition.
Read the blog Zuzana Stunova
Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, Nottingham Trent University
Finalist of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2019
I would definitely recommend applying to anyone considering it. You have nothing to lose, but can gain a lot, so why not to give it a try?
Read the blog Rachel Hayden
Civil engineering, University of Bath
Winner of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2018
I can’t believe how quickly my three-week work placement in Australia with Laing O’Rourke flew by! I honestly had the most incredible time and learned so much from being able to see a wide range of projects and meet so many people from across the business in a variety of roles.
Read the blog Lauren Wade
Civil engineering, University of Plymouth
Finalist of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2018
Overall, although I didn’t win, my experience of the Awards is something I wouldn’t change. I am so glad I decided to take a chance and apply, as it has taught me skills and provided me with experiences that I am sure will shape my career from now on
Read the blog Serena Gough
Civil engineering, The University of Nottingham
Finalist of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2017
I would recommend to everyone that they should submit an application. The entire procedure gives an invaluable insight into the graduate recruitment process and develops transferable skills that will enhance your future career, plus you’ll secure great friendships along the way!
Read the blog Matthew Welsh
Civil engineering , Nottingham Trent University
Winner of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2017
I am honoured to have won and taken part in such a prestigious award that will hopefully help me pave my way to a successful career within the industry. Not only has the award aided my professional development, but along the journey I have been fortunate enough to create new friendships.
Read the blog Jessica Dowdy
Construction project management, Oxford Brookes University
Winner of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2015
My advice to those of you who may be reading this and are in a position to apply for the Awards would be to go for it! There is absolutely nothing to lose and you may end up surprising yourself, just like I did. Good luck!
Read the blog Brittany Harris
Civil engineering, University of Bristol
Winner of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2014
Laing O’Rourke has a hiking team and we go out twice a week, which is a great way to get to know people and see Hong Kong. I have also managed to fit in lots of sightseeing on my weekends, but I still have plenty more to do.
Read the blog Sarah Leggett
Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield
Winner of the Construction and Engineering Award, 2013
I received an email from TARGETjobs advertising the opportunity to ‘Win an internship’ and decided I had nothing to lose!
Read the blog