Paid Internship

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 3,500 people and operating around 280 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.

Kickstart Your Career as a Paid Internship – leading to our Graduate programme.

• Location: Padeswood
• Salary: £24,960 pro rota
• Contract Type:  9 weeks.
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week

About the Opportunity

Start a paid internship with Heidelberg Materials and gain a fascinating insight into an exciting and rewarding career in the construction industry. This internship is to join our graduate programme.

We’re one of the world’s largest suppliers of heavy building materials, employing 51,000 people at around 3,000 sites in over 50 countries.

Our core products are aggregates, cement, concrete, asphalt, which are used in some of the largest construction projects across the globe.

We offer paid four to nine-week summer internships for undergraduates and graduate looking to gain experience in business and the building materials industry.

Our interns gain exposure to many areas of our business including quarry operations, cement operations, major projects, marine operations, recycling, commercial, business, strategy, sustainability, and finance.

Our internships are a fast-track on to our graduate trainee manager programme and many participants enjoy successful careers with us.

Why choose an internship with us?

Paid experience: Get paid while you develop your skills and knowledge as you learn more about the industry and our business. Hands-on learning: Gain practical experience working with industry professionals and using real equipment from day one.

Graduate training: At the end of your internship, you will have the option of joining our graduate manager training programme. In-demand skills: Learn skills that are in high demand and secure a future that pays and offer stability and opportunities for growth.

Professional development: Opportunities for continued learning and career growth including workshops, seminars and networking. Sustainability: Be a part of our commitment to a more sustainable future including decarbonisation, carbon capture and recycling. Cutting-edge technology: Gain the skills to operate the latest advancements in construction and digital technology. Mentoring and support: Ongoing mentorship from senior managers to provide career advice, personal development and guidance.

Networking opportunities: Build valuable connections with industry experts at company events, conferences and industry seminars. Diversity and inclusion: We’re proud of our diverse workforce because we know an inclusive workplace makes us more successful.

Social value: Get involved in our many charitable and community events throughout the year that also help us win new contracts.

Career progression: Early advancement in the company including further opportunities for personal growth and development.

Exposure

On your internship you’ll be exposed to:

• Quarry operations: Gain practical experience in managing quarry operation. Learn about resource extraction, environmental management and operational efficiency. This includes all aspects of drilling, blasting and material processing, as well as health and safety compliance and environmental regulations.
• Cement operations: Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the cement manufacturing process from raw material extraction to final product. Get involved in quality control, production planning and equipment maintenance, and learn about optimisation, energy management and sustainability.
• Major projects: Learn about the intricacies of securing new business and participate in bid preparation, proposal writing and contract negotiations. Gain experience in competitive analysis, pricing strategies and developing value propositions.
• Marine operations: Discover more about dredging, extraction, transportation and distribution of marine aggregates.
• Recycling: Learn more about how we are reusing our materials to create recycled construction products.
• Commercial: Delve into the commercial side of the business and learn about sales strategies, customer relationship management and market analysis. Work with the sales team to develop and implement sales plans, negotiate contracts and understand customer needs.
• Business: Understand more about our business operations and gain insight into strategic planning, financial management and business development. Work in various business functions including marketing, operations and supply. You will also be involved in project management and process improvements.
• Strategy: Work with senior leaders to analyse market trends, assess competitive landscapes and form long-term strategies that drive business growth. This includes strategic projects, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate planning.
• Sustainability: Learn more about our sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon emissions and implementing carbon capture technologies. Work on projects to improve resource efficiency and environmental performance and solutions to minimise our carbon footprint.
• Finance: Gain experience in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. You will be involved in financial reporting, investment evaluation and risk management, which drive many strategic business decisions.

What We’re Looking For:

• Energetic and Proactive: You’re ready to jump in and make an impact from day one.
• Team-Oriented: Collaboration is key, and you’re always ready to contribute to the team’s success.
• Results-Driven: You have a practical mindset with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
• Adaptable and Curious: Flexibility and a willingness to learn are essential in this ever-evolving industry.

Entry requirements

• You must have graduated in 2024 or be graduating in 2025 and expected to achieve a 2:1 in any of the following areas: STEM Chemical engineering.
• British citizenship or UK settled status.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary and Benefits: Attractive salary packages and comprehensive benefits to reward your hard work and commitment, including health coverage, pension plans, and other perks.
• One-to-One Coaching: Personalised guidance and support from experienced professionals to help you navigate your apprenticeship and achieve your career goals.
• Formal Training and Qualifications: Access to structured training programs and qualifications, including recognised diplomas and degrees, to build your expertise and credentials
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth, including workshops, seminars, and networking events to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Mentoring and Support: Ongoing mentorship from senior professionals to provide career advice, personal development, and guidance throughout your apprenticeship.
• Networking Opportunities: Access to a wide network of industry professionals and peers through company events, conferences, and industry seminars, helping you build valuable connections.
• Focus on Sustainability: Involvement in projects and initiatives that prioritise environmental sustainability and innovative practices, contributing to a more sustainable future.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages different perspectives, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within the company, including opportunities for further education and career development as you gain experience and expertise.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements and support for a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you can manage your personal and professional commitments effectively.

Next Steps

Submit your application

• Attach a cover and CV highlighting your qualifications, skills and experience, and reasons for applying to us HERE.

Pre-recorded interview and online assessment

• If you are shortlisted, you’ll be invited to take part in a pre-recorded video interview and record your responses to a series of questions. This will help us assess your communication skills, motivation and how you align with our company values. You will also be asked to complete an online assessment to test your numerical, problem solving and technical skills.

Interview and insight day

• You’ll then be invited to an interview and insight day and be asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation on a relevant topic in advance, which will help us assess your research, communications and presentation skills. You will then attend an interview with two senior managers focusing on your skills, competencies and experience. Following the interview, you will have a chance to get a firsthand look at our industry and learn more about our business.

Application outcome

• We will contact you to let you know whether you are successful. Good luck!

After the Internship

• You will then joining our Graduate programme beginning in September.