Trainee Estimator (Graduate Apprenticeship)

Job purpose: 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.

What will I learn? 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.

What qualifications or qualities are required? 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