Employer Profile - Tony Gee and Partners

Number of placement students taken on per year: Typically three or four

What sort of students are you looking for? We look for students enrolled on good quality civil engineering degree courses. We have a favoured group of universities from which we pick most of our students. Sometimes we take students on their gap year, but more often it starts from the end of either their first or second year.

What is the process for getting the placement students? We ask that candidates complete an application form, and if this is satisfactory, we then hold an informal interview. The people who interview the students are the people who run the company and the ones for whom the students will be working.

What are you looking for in a placement student? We look first for an enthusiasm to learn and the ability to communicate. We do not expect the student to have a defined career path, that is why they come for work experience. Personal presentation is important and GCSE and A-level grades are a strong influence on our choice of student.

What does the placement involve? It depends upon their experience. Students who have a full year with us can perform almost the same duties as a graduate and are given work accordingly. We tailor the work to the aptitude and ability of each student. For us we get a chance to assess the students’ talents and the opportunity to offer them ongoing sponsorship for the remainder of their degree and employment on graduation if they are suitable. This has worked very well for us for a long time now and some of our most senior engineers joined the firm through this route.

How would you advise students to make the most of the experience? Be inquisitive. Students should get to see and learn as much as they can about their host company in the time available. A good employer will respond to this if at all possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, particularly if in doubt about the work in hand. Remember that everyone has to go through this learning process and there are very few people who do not respond well to sensible questions.