Trainee Surveyor / Estimator – Milton Keynes
Salary:
Up to £28,000 (Dependent on Experience)
Location:
Milton Keynes (Office-based with Site Visits)
Benefits:
- Modern open‑plan office built by the team
- On‑site gym
- Smart/casual working environment
- Strong social culture
- Great benefits package as part of a wider, well‑established group
- Supportive team structure with direct access to experienced designers and managers
- Clear development pathway with an opportunity to learn, grow and progress
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company pension
- Free onsite parking
Overview
A main contractor in Milton Keynes is looking to recruit a Trainee Surveyor / Estimator. This position is ideal for someone who wants to start or develop a long‑term career within the construction industry. Full training and mentoring will be provided by experienced Surveyors, Estimators and Directors.
The company delivers refurbishment, alteration and new‑build projects across education, healthcare, housing and commercial sectors, including Design & Build schemes, public sector frameworks and complex refurbishment works.
The Role
During the initial training period, you will focus on learning the fundamentals of surveying, estimating, procurement and project delivery while supporting both pre‑construction and site‑based teams.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with measured building and site surveys
- Recording existing site conditions and producing accurate survey information
- Learning to interpret architectural, structural and M&E drawings
- Carrying out quantity take‑offs using manual methods and estimating software
- Assisting with estimates, cost plans and tender submissions
- Obtaining quotations from suppliers and subcontractors
- Preparing and issuing enquiries
- Assisting with the comparison and evaluation of quotations
- Supporting procurement of subcontract packages
- Visiting live construction sites to understand construction methods, sequencing and quality standards
- Learning company systems, document control procedures and health and safety requirements
- Attending internal and external training courses where appropriate
You will work closely with experienced Surveyors, Estimators and Project Managers, receiving structured mentoring and regular performance reviews.
Development
As your knowledge and confidence grow, you will begin taking greater ownership of tasks, including:
- Producing accurate quantity take‑offs independently
- Preparing sections of tender submissions
- Carrying out independent site surveys
- Managing supplier and subcontractor enquiries
- Preparing cost comparisons and value engineering proposals
- Assisting with procurement activities
- Supporting commercial reporting and project cost control
- Managing smaller estimating packages with limited supervision
- Developing relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors
This role is designed to progress into an Assistant Surveyor / Estimator position.
Skills and Attributes
- You will have 5 or more GCSEs Grade 5 and above, including Maths
- Enthusiastic and eager to build a career in construction
- Numerate with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Organised with excellent attention to detail
- Confident communicating with colleagues, clients, suppliers and subcontractors
- Willing to learn and take on new challenges
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Excel and Outlook)
- Full UK driving licence is desirable or willingness to obtain one
Previous construction experience is beneficial but not essential. Attitude, commitment and willingness to learn are the key qualities.
How to Apply
If you are motivated to build a career in construction and would like to be considered, please apply through Totaljobs and a member of the ADS team will be in touch.