Construction
GRAHAM Academy - Trainee Planner (Apprentice) - Thames Valley / North West London
Graham Construction
Location
Thames Valley
Salary
Competitive
Posted
23 September 2026
About the role
Job Title: Trainee Planner (Apprentice) REPORTING TO: Planning Manager DIVISION: Building LOCATION: North West London / Thames Valley Region CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent SALARY: £17,000 - £32,000 BENEFITS: Car Allowance, Pension, Private Medical Cover, Life Assurance Scheme Job Summary Interested in technology, engineering and the built environment? At GRAHAM, we are committed to growth and innovation. As our business continues to expand, the Planning Team have opportunities for Technical Apprenticeship and Industrial Placements to join our Building Division. As a Student Construction Planner you will; · Be part of a planning team that plays a vital role in shaping the built environment, helping to plan and coordinate how complex construction projects are delivered. · Gain practical, hands-on experience, build valuable technical and problem-solving skills, and see first- hand how complex ideas on paper are turned into meaningful places that serve communities. · Step into the world of major construction projects and learn how to bring them to life using the latest digital tools. From planning how buildings are put together to solving problems before they arise, helping to create the strategy that keeps construction projects on track. If you enjoy computers, design, and figuring out how things are built, this is your chance to shape the future of the world around you. No experience in planning software is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to thrive. Whether you’re completing an industrial placement and returning to your studies with fresh insight or advancing through a fully funded, industry-recognised apprenticeship, you’ll be building the foundations of a rewarding career. If you’re passionate about Construction and the Built Environment and have an eye for detail, this is your chance to build a career with purpose. Job Description: The Student Planner shall: · Support the Planning team in the analysis of tender information and preparation of tender programmes · Support the Planning team in the preparation of master programmes · Analyse and support the Planning team in labour resource and plant · Support the Planning team in assessing / evaluate construction methods and techniques · Support the Planning team in the preparation of prelims · Support the Planning team in preparation procurement and information schedules · Support 4D Planning – Linking 3d models to programme inc: progress · Support the Planning team in assessing project progress positions · Support the Planning team in production of graphical presentations using CAD etc. · Support and co-ordinate the distribution of programmes · Support the smooth running of planning department · Support the Planning team in assessing project progress positions and maintains production control records. This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals. Requirements: Technical Competencies Essential · Currently studying, or planning to undertake, a higher or degree-level course in a construction-related discipline · Strong interest in technology, engineering and the built environment. · Strong IT skills and confidence working with common Microsoft packages. · Logical thinking and problem-solving ability. · Good attention to detail and accuracy. · Interest in technology, design, or strategy (e.g. ICT, CAD). · Strong communication and teamwork skills. · Ability to manage time, stay organised, and meet deadlines. · Willingness to learn and apply new tools and techniques. Desirable: · Experience in a construction related environment · Interest in how construction, engineering, or design processes come together. · Basic knowledge of project management concepts (e.g. timelines, milestones). · Ability to read drawings and visual information · Understanding of 3D modelling, design software, or gaming engines (helpful but not essential). · Creative thinking and ability to visualise how projects fit together · CSCS card 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 About You GRAHAM ROUTES TO BECOMING A PLANNER TECHNICIAL APPRENTICESHIP Technical Apprenticeships are available at a number of entry points from GCSE, A Level or BTEC awards, we are currently seeking to recruit individuals hoping to transition onto a Higher-Level or Degree Level Apprenticeship, which are offered from Level 4 to Level 7. A Higher Apprenticeship provides a structured pathway to develop your skills while earning a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in the workplace alongside dedicated study time, with all training costs fully funded. These programmes offer a clear route to professional body membership and can lead to rewarding careers. Our Commitment: At GRAHAM, we are proud to say that we are a committed Equal Opportunities Employer and we aim to be the first choice for people from all backgrounds. We seek to promote respect for the individual and equality of opportunities. We believe that everyone should be treated solely on the basis of personal merit and contribution throughout their GRAHAM career journey and not on the value of artificial barriers, prejudices, or preferences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to making our policies and guidance accessible to all applicants and employees. If you need this document in an alternative format, such as large print, audio, or braille, please contact us at: • Email: hr-jgc.resourcing@graham.co.uk • Phone: 07384 916355 As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. If you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme, please contact Louise Hunter, Resourcing Manager, at: • Email: louise.hunter@graham.co.uk • Phone: 07384 916355 We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance. A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request. GRAHAM reserves the right to carry out checks to ensure the validity of an applicant’s experience and/or qualifications and we expect all applicants to comply with any such requests for information. Failure to do so or evidence of any falsification of information will lead to either removal from the recruitment process or if already in employment potential termination of contract through the company disciplinary procedure.
Requirements
Currently studying, or planning to undertake, a higher or degree-level course in a construction-related discipline. Strong interest in technology, engineering and the built environment. Strong IT skills and confidence working with common Microsoft packages. Logical thinking and problem-solving ability. Good attention to detail and accuracy. Interest in technology, design, or strategy (e.g. ICT, CAD). Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to manage time, stay organised, and meet deadlines. Willingness to learn and apply new tools and techniques.
Skills
IT skills - Microsoft packagesLogical thinkingProblem-solvingAttention to detailCommunicationTeamworkTime managementOrganisationCAD softwareProject managementTechnical planning4D modellingCommercial awarenessInitiativeNegotiation
Required qualifications
Essential
Degree or Higher Level Course · Construction-related discipline