At GRAHAM, we are committed to growth and innovation. As our business continues to expand, we are seeking an enthusiastic Trainee Estimator to join our Building Division through a Higher-Level Apprenticeship programme.
In this role, you’ll support the preparation of competitive bids and cost plans for high-profile construction projects. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll gain hands-on experience in estimating, supplier engagement, data analysis, and bid coordination.
If you’re passionate about Construction and the Built Enviroment and have an eye for detail, this is your chance to build a career with purpose.
The Trainee Estimator shall:
- Assist in preparing accurate cost estimates, budgets, and cost plans
- Review tender documents, drawings, and specifications
- Obtain, compare, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations, ensuring compliance with tender requirements
- Support the preparation of bills of quantities, schedules of rates, and pricing documents
- Contribute to the development of tender submissions and supporting documentation
- Maintain and update cost databases, supplier and subcontractor information, and historic project data
- Help prepare tender adjudication reports and support bid presentations to senior management
- Work closely with Senior Estimators, Quantity Surveyors, and the wider Commercial team to ensure estimates are accurate and consistent
- Support compliance with company standards, health & safety procedures, and quality requirements
This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged for the Trainee Estimator and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.
Requirements
Technical competencies
Essential
- Currently studying, or planning to study, a higher or degree-level apprenticeship programme in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or Construction related degree
- Demonstrate strong communication skills
- Strong IT skills
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable
- An appreciation of Health & Safety practices
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Previous work experience specifically in the Construction Industry
- Able to demonstrate problem solving
Behavioural competencies
Essential
- Commercial awareness: Show willingness to build a strong business acumen combined with the creativity and vision to meet customer needs and GRAHAM business requirements.
- 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: Is 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.
- 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.
- Negotiation: Ability to negotiate with both subcontractors and representatives of the Employer to ensure all contractual rights and obligations are realised and protected.
About you
GRAHAM routes to becoming an estimator
Technicial apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are available at a number of entry points from National 5, Highers or HNC/D awards, we are currently seeking to recruit individuals hoping to transition onto Graduate Apprenticeship, or in some cases a Modern Apprenticeship, which are offered from Level 7 to Level 11.
A Graduate Apprenticeship provides a structured pathway to develop your skills while earning a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in the workplace alongside dedicated study time, with all training costs fully funded. These programmes offer a clear route to professional body membership and can lead to rewarding careers.
We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance. A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request. GRAHAM reserves the right to carry out checks to ensure the validity of an applicant’s experience and/or qualifications and we expect all applicants to comply with any such requests for information. Failure to do so or evidence of any falsification of information will lead to either removal from the recruitment process or if already in employment potential termination of contract through the company disciplinary procedure.
