📅 Next Briefing Dates:
-
38th Edition: 16 October 2025 – Manchester (UK)
- 39th Edition: 26 September 2026 – Brussels (Belgium)
💼 100% guaranteed practical placement (1000 hours, 5 months) in Italy or other countries abroad (excluding the UK)
🧭 Phase 1 – Professional Engagement and Networking
Held in Brussels (39th Edition) or Manchester (38th Edition), this first phase offers
The first phase of the Dirextra Industry Briefing Series offers engineering graduates and professionals the opportunity to engage with senior figures in the construction, infrastructure, and energy sectors. This phase is held in either Manchester (UK) or Brussels (Belgium) and includes:
- Professional insights from industry leaders
- Technical briefings and project simulations
- Visits to companies and infrastructure sites
- Career planning and networking sessions
- Cultural visits to iconic cities and historical sites
This is not a study programme. No formal instruction or training is provided in the UK. Dirextra is not an accredited educational institution and does not offer classroom-based learning. All UK-based activities fall within the permitted scope of the Visitor route, including attending meetings, briefings, and networking events..
🏢 Phase 2 – Guaranteed International Placement (Phase 2 – Outside the UK)
Following participation in the briefing series, eligible candidates may undertake a five-month (1,000-hour) full-time placement with one of Dirextra’s partner companies in Italy or other international locations (excluding the UK).
Placement roles may include:
- Site Engineer
- Construction Planner
- Project Controller
- Technical Office Specialist
- Junior Project Manager
These placements are arranged independently and do not form part of the UK visit. They are subject to local visa requirements and employer sponsorship where applicable.
🌍 Global Industry Collaboration
The Dirextra Industry Briefing Series is developed in close collaboration with leading multinational companies, headquartered in Italy, operating in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Participants gain exposure to real-world infrastructure challenges and strategic opportunities across global markets.
Dirextra alumni have contributed to major infrastructure and energy projects worldwide, with over 2,300 graduate engineers now working across four continents.
🏗️ Placement Overview (Outside the UK)
The international placement includes five months (1,000 hours) of practical experience on active construction or energy projects. Accommodation may be provided by the host company, depending on the nature of the assignment.
🚀 Career Development and Industry Access
Dirextra facilitates access to global career pathways in the infrastructure and energy sectors. While the UK briefing does not involve employment or training, it serves as a gateway to international opportunities.
📅 Upcoming Briefing Editions
- 38th Edition → Starting 16 October 2025 – Manchester (UK)
- 39th Edition → Starting 26 September 2026 – Brussels (Belgium)
📩 Applications and Contact
Send your application to: master@dirextra.com
To express interest or request further details, contact:
master@dirextra.com
UK contact: Ing. Carmen Andre’ +44 7765 796588
Italy contact: Ing. Elisa Ferrò +39 392 3338114
🇮🇹 Sponsored Placement (Outside the UK)
Thanks to the support of companies in the construction and energy sectors, eligible candidates may benefit from a sponsored placement abroad, where up to 70% of the tuition fee is covered by the host company.
✅ No age or income restrictions
✅ Tuition reduced from €10,000 to €3,000
✅ Placement and on-site experience included
✅ Travel and accommodation during placement may be provided by the host company
✅ Limited places available
🎓 This is not a university scholarship. It is a professional opportunity co-financed by companies seeking to recruit engineering talent for international placements.
💼 Employment Opportunities (Outside the UK)
The international placement phase is supported by leading companies in the construction, infrastructure, and energy sectors. These companies actively engage with Dirextra to identify and recruit engineering graduates for roles outside the UK.
➡️ A 100% placement rate has been consistently achieved in previous editions.
🏠 Accommodation (Outside the UK)
Accommodation may be provided by the host company during the placement period, except in the case of office-based assignments.
🌍 International Placements and Visa Sponsorship
For placements in countries requiring a work visa, the host company may choose to employ the candidate directly and sponsor the necessary documentation. This process is managed by the host company.
🔍 Key Topics and Focus Areas
During the briefing and placement phases, participants engage with the following industry themes:
- Company structures and strategies in construction and energy
- Tendering and international procurement
- Project management and lifecycle planning
- Cost control and planning tools
- Contract management and FIDIC standards
- Risk and people management
- Tunnelling and petroleum engineering
- QHSE for worksites in construction and oil & gas
These topics are explored through briefings, simulations, and interaction with industry professionals. No formal instruction is provided in the UK.
👨💼 Industry Experts & Mentors
Participants benefit from the insights of professionals working in the field, including:
- Entrepreneurs
- Project Managers
- Site Engineers
- HR and Legal Advisors
These experts share real case studies, project briefings, and operational insights throughout the programme.
🎓 Eligibility and Application Process
Who can apply:
The briefing series is primarily intended for graduates in civil and mechanical engineering. Applications from other engineering disciplines are also welcome.
Admission is based on academic qualifications and suitability for international placement.
To apply or request more information:
master@dirextra.com
Testimonials and Alumni Stories
Hear directly from past participants and sponsoring companies:
- Attendees’ experiences – Discover how the briefing and placement shaped their careers
- Sponsor feedback – Read testimonials from companies that support and recruit through Dirextra
- Alumni success – Explore where Dirextra graduates are working around the world
Disclaimer – UK Edition
This programme does not constitute formal study or training in the United Kingdom. Dirextra is not an accredited educational institution under the UK immigration system and is not authorised to sponsor study under the Student or Child Student routes.
All UK-based activities described herein, including professional briefings, technical simulations, company visits, and networking sessions, are structured to fall within the scope of permitted activities under the UK Visitor route. These activities are intended solely for short-term business engagement, professional development, and cultural enrichment. No classroom-based instruction, formal training, or employment is offered or undertaken in the UK.
International placements referenced in this brochure take place outside the United Kingdom and are subject to local visa and employment regulations. Participation in the UK briefing does not imply or guarantee future employment, sponsorship, or immigration status in the UK.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their travel and participation comply with UK immigration rules. This brochure is not an offer of study, work, or immigration sponsorship in the United Kingdom.
