Finance Minister today launched a recruitment
competition for the 2027/28 Civil Service Student Placement
Scheme, with approximately 110 placements available across
several government departments.
A general competition will be used to fill around 90 placements
in a wide range of areas such as policy and law, accountancy,
communications and marketing, forestry, environment, science and
ICT.
There will also be a separate competition for the Construction
& Infrastructure categories with approximately 20 placements
available in areas such as architecture, engineering, surveying
and planning.
Placements offer an annual salary of £25,796 per annum, an
attractive benefits package and peer support available through
the Civil Service Student Network.
Launching the scheme, Minister O'Dowd said: I am pleased to
launch this competition that offers such a diverse range of
placement opportunities in the Civil Service to talented
students. It is an excellent opportunity for them to gain
valuable, hands-on experience in a professional working
environment.
The Civil Service is one of the largest employers here and the
work happening across our departments impacts almost every aspect
of societal life.
Working in the Civil Service not only gives students the
opportunity to develop their knowledge and skillset, but also to
join the effort to improve the lives of our citizens.
Erin Bradley, who is undertaking a placement in the Architecture
Team within Construction and Procurement Delivery at the
Department of Finance, said she would encourage students
considering a placement with the Civil Service to apply: There's
such a wide range of opportunities available across lots of
subject areas, and you can gain valuable experience that's
relevant to your studies and future careers.
One of the most valuable aspects of my placement within CPD is
the variety of the work. My day-to-day responsibilities include
assisting with design work, preparing drawings, attending
meetings, and understanding how public sector construction
projects are managed.
Business Studies student Sean McClure, who is on placement in HR
at the Department for Infrastructure, said his role supports the
Resourcing Team manage information for around 1,300 staff: It's
been great seeing how Resourcing, People and Culture work within
a large organisation. I've enjoyed learning from the team and
taking on responsibilities that have helped build my confidence
and develop skills.
More information on the range of placements and details on how to
apply are available at: www.nicsrecruitment.co.uk/student-placements/
Applications close at noon on Friday 23 October 2026, with
placements starting during the period July-September 2027.
Notes to editors:
- The competition is open to students currently studying
towards an undergraduate degree, who will have successfully
completed their second-year examinations by the end of the
2026/27 academic year and who have the opportunity to undertake a
placement of up to 51 weeks for the 2027/28 academic year.
