Apprentice Estimator (Higher Apprentice)

Summary

We are looking for an Apprentice to join the Estimating team who calculate how much construction projects will cost, taking into account labour, material and equipment requirements. They will negotiate with suppliers and gain quotes from subcontractors and use this information to compile detailed cost proposals.

Wage: Competitive
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Construction quantity surveying technician (level 4)
Hours: Monday - Friday, office hours.
39 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 1 September
Duration: 2 years
Positions available: 2

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

This is an exciting time to join United Living on our Apprenticeship Programme as the business continues to grow and we have a significant order book of secured future projects.

Our Property Services business revitalises homes and communities through the regeneration of living spaces, breathing new life into neighbourhoods. We are looking for an Apprentice to join the Estimating team who calculate how much construction projects will cost, taking into account labour, material and equipment requirements. They will negotiate with suppliers and gain quotes from subcontractors and use this information to compile detailed cost proposals. Some of your key responsibilities will include:

Assisting with the preparation, production, distribution and analysis of subcontractor/supplier/consultant enquiries and returns, ensuring all appropriate information is included and reviewed.
Sending tender enquiries to supply chain partners in a timely manner.
Undertaking and assisting with the comparisons of supply chain quotations.
Preparing accurate take-offs from bid drawings.
Assisting with compiling and presenting statistical data for pricing/bid analysis.
Assisting with site measurements for different trade packages.
Assisting the Estimator in the construction of accurate, competitive and timely bid submissions.
Developing understanding and application of the use of company systems including Conquest Estimating/take-off software packages.
Filing and distribute documents and drawings.
Assisting with the preparation of Tender Summary documents.
Learning and understanding the tender process from initial enquiry to handover.
Assisting with administrative functions of the Estimating department.
Developing understanding of construction methods and materials and their application.

Where you’ll work

Media House

Azalea Drive

Swanley

Kent

BR8 8HU

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

Your training course

Construction quantity surveying technician (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

Health and Safety: Apply health and safety issues to all activities.
Sustainability: Demonstrate application of the principles of sustainability.
Construction Technology: Assist in the implementation of the most appropriate solutions for construction projects
Contracts: Be able to apply different types of contracts to different situations.
Procurement: Assist in the selection of and negotiation with specialist contractors for a construction project.
Cost control: Assist in the measurement and costing of construction works during a project.
Financial reporting: Assist in the preparation of financial reports, cash flow and cost forecasts for a construction project.
Administration: Assist in the collection, collation and storage of relevant data and its analysis.

Your training plan

As an Apprentice with United Living, you’ll be given a real job from day one where you will gain hands-on industry experience, and the knowledge required to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll be inspired and stretched professionally, but fully supported by an expert network of colleagues, as you work to build the foundations for a career within United Living, and the construction industry.

As part of your Apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto the Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship, which will be delivered by our training partner the University of Westminster. The programme is two years long and you will attend campus one day per week to study towards your qualification. You will be fully supported through a variety of methods such as lectures, learning materials, and one-to-one support from your tutor or coach. They will also meet regularly with you and your line manager to ensure you are progressing through your programme. Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship you will be awarded a Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship, a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, and will automatically qualify for TechCIOB-L4 professional accreditation. You will then progress to the Level 6 Construction Quantity Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship programme.

More training information

To help you settle into your role, we’ll provide you with a buddy from our apprentice population. They will have some great advice as they were in exactly the same situation as you not so long ago, and you’ll also receive full support from your Line Manager and the Early Careers Team who will help guide you throughout your apprenticeship programme to help you achieve professional success.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English, Maths & Science (grade 4-9/C-A* or equivalent)

Other in:

A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, Access to HE etc (grade 104)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working

About this company

United Living is a leading infrastructure, construction, and property services company in the UK, comprised of four complementary businesses. We help our customers and the communities they serve benefit from resilient infrastructure, affordable homes, and improved living spaces that are fit for the future. We invest in our people and firmly believe that our workforce is our most valuable asset. A driving force for success and the core to achieving our vision of creating a connected and sustainable future, our team is the heart of our organisation. Building a diverse, inclusive, and equal working environment in which everyone is welcomed and encouraged to be themselves, is a commitment we are dedicated to. We believe that having a diverse workforce not only sets us up for success, but it allows for greater opportunities for innovation, adaptability, and wide-ranging capabilities. We empower our people, and our communities, to champion diversity and change every day. We are a fast-paced, diverse, and hugely ambitious business. We welcome challengers, innovators and people who embrace change to establish yourself in a creative environment that champions freedom of expression and supports you in your personal and professional development – because together, we achieve more.

https://unitedliving.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the L4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician, you will progress to the L6 Construction Quantity Surveying (Degree) Apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

United Living Group

Rebecca Harrison

earlycareers@unitedliving.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000303639.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 6 April 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

How to apply If you’re looking to be part of an exciting journey with an evolving business and want to learn something new, every day? They you’ve come to the right place. If you are ready to be part of our expanding team and contribute to our success, please visit our website and click the I’m interested button and submit an application. We recommend you apply as early as possible.

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