About the Role
<h4><span><strong>Ready to lay the foundations for your career in the built environment?</strong></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>We’re excited to launch our Apprentice Class of 2026, offering a range of apprenticeship opportunities:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p><span><strong>Apprentice Quantity Surveyor</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Southend, Essex (hybrid)</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Starting September 2026</strong></span></p><p></p><p>As an <strong>Apprentice Quantity Surveyor</strong>, you’ll be part of real projects from day one, learning directly from experienced professionals across both the public and private sectors. And the best bit? You’ll earn a degree <strong>without the debt</strong>—we cover all your university fees while you gain valuable industry experience.</p><p class="MsoNormal">If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to learn, we’ll give you everything you need to build an exciting long‑term career.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why choose this apprenticeship?</strong></p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">We’ll fully fund your <strong>Quantity Surveyor Degree</strong> with a leading university</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">We’ll support you to achieve <strong>Chartered status with RICS</strong> (our pass rates are well in excess of the national average!)</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">You will get involved with real project work, take responsibility and make a real impact</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">You’ll work with a dedicated buddy, supportive line managers and a network of fellow apprentices</p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 8 June 2026</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>What you’ll be doing</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>You’ll learn at University and on the job - working alongside our experts as you:</span></p><ul><li><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Visit sites with colleagues to carry out surveys, inspect defects, and support refurbishment projects</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Help prepare reports, specifications, and contract documents</span></p></li><li><p class="Default"><span>Assist in the production of estimates and cost plans by producing quantities for our measurement software</span></p></li><li><p class="Default"><span>Support tender processes and analyse tender information</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Assist with project handovers, snagging checked and quality assurance</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Assist with reviewing valuations on site to understand progress against contract sum analysis and project cash flow</span></p></li><li><p class="Default"><span>Provide support and develop understanding in basic contract administration duties</span></p></li><li><p class="Default"><span>Complete design checks and other reviews connected with funding and client requirements</span></p></li><li><p class="Default"><span>Review sites to identify risks and report back to senior colleagues</span></p></li><li><p class="Default"><span>Maintain tracker documents and keep project data up to date</span></p></li><li><p><span>Communicate with clients, contractors and other partners to keep projects running smoothly</span></p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>What you’ll need</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>Qualifications</strong></span></p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grades C+ or 4+ including English and Maths</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Equivalent to 112 UCAS Tariff points at level 3 (ideally including a maths related subject) or Advanced Diploma in a construction related topic</p></li></ul><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span><strong>Knowledge</strong></span></p><ul><li><p>Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint)</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Some knowledge of building construction or a genuine enthusiasm to learn more</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">A willingness to understand standard forms of contract (including the JCT suite)</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">UK driving licence and access to transport</p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>Skills</strong></span></p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Professional, proactive and open to constructive feedback</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Good people skills including experience of delivering excellent customer service</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Good time management and the ability to stay calm under pressure</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Good verbal and written communication</p></li><li><p><span>Ability to use your own initiative</span></p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>Apprenticeship eligibility</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>To apply, you must have the right to work in the UK as we’re unable to sponsor Apprentices. You won’t be eligible if;</span></p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><span>You already hold a higher-level qualification in the same subject</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span>You already have the skills, knowledge and behaviours taught during this Apprenticeship</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span>You will still be in full time education in September 2026 (including another Apprenticeship)</span></p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span>The Apprenticeship duplicates learning you’ve already completed</span></p></li></ul><div><p class="MsoNormal"></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>Who we are</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">We’ve been in operation for 85 years and have offices across the UK. We’re a leading multi-disciplined construction and property consultancy, offering expertise in building and quantity surveying; project management; building information modelling (BIM); Architecture; M&E engineering; fire consultancy and more. You can find out more about our work on our website <a target="_blank" href="http://www.calfordseaden.com">www.calfordseaden.com</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our values guide everything we do:</p><ul><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><strong>Collaboration</strong> Being one team and supporting each other to achieve the best results and maximise our potential.</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><strong>Authenticity </strong>Being true to ourselves and others and celebrating our differences.</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><strong>Giving Back </strong>Recognizing and embracing the need for our work to have a positive social impact.</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><strong>Excellence</strong> Striving to be up with the best and at the forefront of what we do.</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><strong>Support</strong> Providing investment, encouragement and support to bring out the best in our People.</p></li><li><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><strong>Integrity</strong> Being honest and doing the right thing</p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Our People and benefits</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">We’re proud to hold the <strong>Investors in People Gold</strong> award, showing our commitment to developing and investing in our team. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:</p><ul><li class="MsoNormal"><p>Hybrid working</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>25 days’ annual leave (plus the option to buy and sell leave)</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>Up to 10 days’ unpaid leave</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>Pension scheme</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>Employee assistance programme</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>Gym discounts</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>Flu vaccinations</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>Enhanced family leave</p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p>A supportive, friendly culture with people who genuinely want you to succeed</p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal">We’re an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.</p>