Junior Designer - Undergraduate Placement Scheme 2026-27

DEMAND is a charity that designs and makes specialist disability equipment. We have a long history of working with placement students.. We believe that bringing students into the heart of our inclusive design work means we’re creating a workforce of designers who center accessibility and inclusion in everything they design and deliver. We know our placements have an impact, with designers not only going on to bring inclusivity to mainstream design, but to work in inclusive design full time.

As a Junior Designer on placement, you will work alongside experienced designers on a wide range of projects from sports equipment and walking aids to accessible toys, art tools, and specialist one-off solutions.

You will be part of a small, collaborative team where design work is hands-on, varied, and user-centred from concept through to manufacture. Every project contributes directly to improving independence and quality of life for the people who use our equipment.

This placement is based at Europe’s largest professional open-access workshop, BLOQS in Meridian Water, North London.

See our work on Instagram. 

The Role Outline and Person Specification are available to view and download. 

 

About the Placement

This 11-month placement offers immersive experience in inclusive design and specialist manufacturing.

You will work across multiple live projects at any one time, gaining exposure to a wide variety of briefs and technical challenges. No two projects are the same; each requires different approaches, materials, and testing methods.

A key feature of the placement is full engagement with both design and making. You will learn how early design decisions affect production, usability, and quality. You will develop a wide understanding of design for manufacture and assembly (DFM and DFA).

You will also benefit from:

• Structured mentorship with designers on a rotating basis
• Hands-on experience in a professional open-access workshop environment
• Exposure to professional-grade machinery, including CNC equipment and machining centres
• Meeting a wide range of makers including engineers, sculptors, furniture makers, and technicians
• Opportunities to attend industry events and represent the organisation

Students often describe the placement as highly rewarding, noting that it offers a rare opportunity to see designs move directly from idea to real-world impact.

In summary: 

• Number of Places: 2
• Start Date: Tuesday 1st September 2026
• End Date: Friday 30th July 2027 (11 months)
• Eligibility: Students on undergraduate degrees in Product Design, Industrial Design, Design Engineering, or similar with a placement year
• Location: BLOQS, Meridian Water, Enfield, North London
• Bursary: £1,300 per month (gross)
• Holiday Allowance: 22 days plus UK bank and public holidays (including 3 days Christmas/New Year shutdown)

 

More about DEMAND

DEMAND is a long-established charity that designs and manufactures specialist equipment for disabled people.

Over its 45-year history, the organisation has developed a strong reputation for co-designing practical, user-centred solutions that address needs not met by mass-market products. 

The team develops a wide range of products, from highly specific solutions to designs that can be shared more widely where there is broader need. Examples include the accessible ‘Freasel’ artists easel and adaptive sporting equipment.

A core belief of the organisation is that inclusive design should be embedded in everything it does. Placement students are a key part of this mission, contributing to live projects while developing the mindset and skills that shape more accessible design practice in future careers.

Many former placement students go on to work in inclusive design roles, and some have returned to join the team permanently.

 

How to apply

Please apply via this form. Should you have any issues or questions please contact us. 

Applications will close at 9 AM on Thursday 4th June. 

The form collects general information and interview availability. You will need to upload a supporting statement (as a PDF, Max. 10MB, no more than 2 A4 pages). The supporting statement should explain why you are interested in this role at DEMAND, and demonstrate how you meet the 5 essential qualities and attributes shown in the Person Specification. If you think it helpful, you can explain how you meet any skills and abilities which may not be evident from your CV/ Portfolio.

You will also need to upload a PDF copy of your CV (Max. 10MB) and portfolio (Max 1GB). These documents will be used to evaluate how well you meet the essential and desirable skills and abilities shown in the Person Specification. 

Candidates will be scored against the Person Specification using these documents and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. 

In-person interviews which will include a more detailed portfolio review, a workshop tour, a structured interview and the opportunity for you to ask us questions. You will get the opportunity to meet the team you will be working with. We understand this is an important decision for you so we will ensure there is time for you to be confident that this is the right placement for you, as well and as us thinking you are the right person for DEMAND.

We anticipate interviews to be held between the 15th and 26th June. Depending on which advert you saw, these may be revised dates. We expect you to be with us for up to 2 hours. We ask for your availability in the application form. If you are shortlisted for interview you will be given a timeslot based on the availability you tell us so we encourage you to keep those dates and times free. We expect to advise all shortlisted candidates by email by 8th June at the latest. 

DEMAND is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing a barrier-free recruitment process that ensures we evaluate all candidates equally and fairly. We are also dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace, recognising the value of a diverse workforce. As an organisation working with and for disabled people we recognise the value of staff with both lived and other experience of disability and neurodiversity.  We will be happy to explore implementing reasonable adjustments for applications, interviews and the placement itself. Please contact us for any assistance in making your application.