Civil Service Student Placement Scheme launches with over 100 places

Finance Minister John O’Dowd has 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, October 23, 2026, with placements starting during the period July-September 2027.