Graduate Planner
Are you interested in technology, engineering, and the built environment? At GRAHAM, we are committed to growth, innovation, and developing future talent. As part of our expanding Building Division, we are offering an exciting Industrial Placement opportunity within our Planning team. As a Placement Trainee Planner, you will gain hands-on experience in a critical function that shapes how complex construction projects are delivered. You’ll develop technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while working alongside experienced professionals on real projects.
This is a fantastic opportunity to
- Learn how major construction projects are planned and delivered
- Work with modern digital planning tools and technologies
- Understand how ideas are translated from concept to reality
- Contribute to projects that make a meaningful impact on communities
No prior experience in planning software is required — we will provide full support and training. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with technology, and understanding how things are built, this placement will give you a strong foundation for a career in construction planning.
The Trainee Planner shall
- Support the Planning team in the analysis of tender information and preparation of tender programmes
- Support the Planning team in the preparation of master programmes
- Analyse and support the Planning team in labour resource and plant
- Support the Planning team in assessing / evaluate construction methods and techniques
- Support the Planning team in the preparation of prelims
- Support the Planning team in preparation procurement and information schedules
- Support the Planning team in assessing project progress positions including monitoring of specific sub-contract packages
- Support Planning Team in Client Meetings
- Support Planning Team in Collaborative Sub Contractor Workshops
- Support the Planning team in production of graphical presentations using CAD etc.
- Support and co-ordinate the distribution of programmes
- Support the smooth running of planning department
- Support the Planning team in assessing project progress positions and maintains production control records
This role is designed to provide a broad exposure to construction planning. Specific responsibilities and objectives will be agreed throughout your placement.
Personal specification
Technical competencies
Essential
- Currently studying a degree-level course in a construction-related discipline.
- Strong interest in technology, engineering and the built environment.
- Strong IT skills and confidence working with common Microsoft packages.
- Logical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Good attention to detail and accuracy.
- Interest in technology, design, or strategy (e.g. ICT, CAD).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to manage time, stay organised, and meet deadlines.
- Willingness to learn and apply new tools and techniques.
Desirable
- Experience in a construction related environment
- Interest in how construction, engineering, or design processes come together.
- Basic knowledge of project management concepts (e.g. timelines, milestones).
- Ability to read drawings and visual information
- Understanding of 3D modelling, design software, or gaming engines (helpful but not essential).
- Creative thinking and ability to visualise how projects fit together
- CSCS card (or willingness to obtain)
Behavioural competencies
Essential
- Commercial Awareness: understanding of business acumen combined with the creativity and vision to meetcustomer needs and GRAHAM business requirements.
- Leadership skills: Communicates and gets involved in team commitment to a vision.
- Effective Communication skills: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports. Able to maintain and manage communication links with a variety of stakeholders. Presents a professional image and promotes the Brand.
- Customer Focus: Takes time to question and understand the real, underlying needs of the customer, beyond those initially expressed. Always works closely with customers, developing an independent view of their needs and acting in their long-term interest.
- Influencing: Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving strategic business objectives.
- Initiative: Able to work alone to get results in an effective way. Understands and seeks to minimise waste in resources and processes. Adopts and encourages others to adopt new ways of working. Ability to work unsupervised and / or with minimal supervision after an initial training period.
- Team Player: Always willing to be involved in other activities to achieve company objectives. Works collaboratively and uses influence to gain resolution of issues. Demonstrates honestly, loyalty and commitment.
About you
GRAHAM routes to becoming a planner
Graduate
We offer a two year programme which focuses on developing your technical and interpersonal skills. In addition, a structured, mentored training programme, aligned to a recognised professional qualification, will set you on the pathway to chartership. Through early responsibility you’ll learn quickly on challenging projects with the opportunity for fast track career advancement.
