Trainee Civil Engineer – McLaughlin & Harvey, Belfast

McLaughlin & Harvey are one of the leading Civil Engineering and Building Contractors operating throughout the UK and Ireland.

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and engaging Trainee Engineer to join the Civils team.

Responsibilities

The McLaughlin and Harvey Trainee programme will give you the opportunity to train as a Civil Engineer. From day one, our programme is designed to give you the best mentored, relevant and practical experience on site, tailored to suit your chosen career. Join McLaughlin and Harvey’s Trainee programme and you’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification coupled with invaluable  hands on experience, ready to begin your career in one of the most exciting industries around!

As a Trainee Engineer you will assist the Engineer in ensuring and delivering all aspects of dimensional accuracy on a construction or civil engineering project. During the development period the Trainee Engineer will assist the Engineer and carry out the following duties:

Assist the Engineer in taking pro-active steps, prior to works commencing, to ensure dimensional accuracy within all construction elements, fabrics, fixtures and fittings in their entirety

Reviewing drawings and specifications with subcontractors and site managers to ensure that all parties fully understand project requirements, minimising the likelihood of non-complaint works arising

Assist with all document control relating to drawings and specifications, including maintaining up to date registers, and ensuring that such documents are timeously issued to all persons, parties and subcontractors

Support the line manager in monitoring quality specification compliance

Adopting a positive and pro-active approach to project delivery

Raise Technical Queries

Assist in maintaining as-built drawings.

Assist in the compilation of Risk Assessment and Methods Statement

Maintenance of existing services and new services as and when they are installed, altered or removed from the confines of the site

Work closely with the project commercial team and provide and maintain information

Help ensuring that accurate primary setting out control is established prior to commencement of site works

Assist the Engineer in ensure that an initial Ordinance Grid Level survey is carried out prior to commencement of site works, together with verification of any assumed levels or dimensions, including existing drainage, kerb tie-ins, adjoining structures etc

Support the Engineer when carrying out a dilapidation survey of existing buildings, property, infrastructure etc. prior to works commencing on site

Familiarisation of the Company Health and Safety Policy, individual role responsibilities and ensure full compliance

Qualifications

What will I study?

You will be enrolled onto the Civil Engineering Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme at Queens University to study towards a BEng in Civil Engineering.

How do I know if it’s right for me?

Joining our Trainee Scheme is easy! All we require is that you are over 16 years of age and have achieved the required entry requirements below:

BBC including grades B in Mathematics and at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Digital Technology, Environmental Technology, Geography, ICT (not Applied ICT), Physics, Software Systems Development, Technology and Design or Double Award Life & Health Sciences

We offer a fully funded scheme where on completion you will gain a degree. Training will include time in relevant departments offering a broader understanding of how the business operates getting involved in interesting and challenging work. At the same time, you’ll be earning a competitive salary. Recent projects include; Liverpool Football Club Training Campus, Glasgow Whisky Experience and the Ikea Superstore Exeter.

Experience

High personal standards of professionalism at all times particularly in relation to health and safety culture

Fully embrace the principles of the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme and provide active input to maximise the company’s performance in the scheme

Commitment to studying towards professional qualification

Strong analytical, written, communication and presentation skills

Willingness to develop your existing skills and acquire new ones

Ability to work independently and in a team, with a dedicated approach to meeting deadlines

Eligibility to work and live permanently in the UK

Hold a full UK Driving Licence (desirable) or access to private/public transport

How will I spend an average working week?

You’ll spend a mix of one day a week alternating to one week each module attending university, studying towards your degree. It’s not all about study and exams though. When you’re not in University you’ll be putting into practice what you’ve learned by working with experienced colleagues on a range of high profile projects.

You will get responsibility from an early stage in your career and will play a key role in helping deliver projects on time and under budget. You will also have opportunities to work on our high-profile projects.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone, you’ll be supported by both a Buddy and a Mentor.

What’s in it for you?

At McLaughlin and Harvey we offer a fantastic benefits package including the following:

Competitive salary

33 days annual leave entitlement

Generous pension contributions

Life Assurance

If this sounds like the role for you, please apply by clicking here

Closing date: 05/12/2025