Trainee Estimator / QS – Graduate Position
Salary: Up to £28,000.
Location: Home‑based with weekly use of a Luton home office
Travel: Site visits as required + Colchester every couple of months
Hours: 8am–5pm (alternative patterns available: 7am–4pm or 9am–6pm)
Holiday: 20 days + bank holidays + 2‑week Christmas shutdown
Probation: 6 months
Team: Estimating team of 4, approx. 20 staff overall
Overview
A specialist contractor delivering external envelope packages across the UK is seeking a confident and motivated Trainee Estimator / QS. This is a graduate‑level role with no experience required, offering structured training across both estimating and quantity surveying.
You’ll work mainly from home, using the Luton home office once a week and travelling to sites when needed. Occasional visits to the Colchester headquarters will take place every couple of months. The role provides exposure to variations, pricing exercises, technical submittals, supplier engagement and live project support.
Projects include SFS, cladding, curtain walling, windows and full external envelope packages. The business delivers schemes nationwide, covering schools, hospitals, commercial buildings and major recladding projects.
The team is friendly, supportive and not micromanaged. Directors are known for being fair, and the environment suits someone who wants to learn, grow and take on responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
• Assist with estimating across SFS, cladding, windows and curtain walling
• Support QS duties including variations, pricing and cost tracking
• Help prepare tender submissions and gather project information • Review and chase technical submittals • Work with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain quotes
• Attend site when required and communicate confidently with site teams
• Learn both estimating and QS processes for a balanced skillset
• Support senior staff by taking smaller packages and tasks as you progress
Package Values
• SFS: £1m • Cladding: £3m • Load‑bearing: £200k • Steel: £700k • Curtain walling: £700k
Person Requirements
• Confident, positive and self‑motivated
• Easy to get on with and comfortable communicating on Teams
• Willing to travel to sites when required
• Happy using the Luton home office once a week
• Comfortable visiting Colchester every couple of months
• Understanding of building principles is beneficial but not essential