GRAHAM Academy - Trainee Planner

GRAHAM Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company in Manchester is seeking a Trainee Planner to support their Planning team. This role offers hands-on experience in the construction industry, with comprehensive training provided in planning software and techniques. Candidates with a strong interest in technology and engineering, as well as those pursuing a degree in a construction-related discipline, are encouraged to apply. Competitive benefits include a car allowance and subsidised medical cover.

Benefits

Car Allowance

Subsidised Private Medical Cover

Life Assurance Scheme

Contributory Pension

33 Days annual leave

Qualifications

• 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.
• Willingness to learn and apply new tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Support and coordinate the distribution of programmes.

Skills

Strong interest in technology, engineering and the built environment

Strong IT skills

Logical thinking and problem-solving ability

Good attention to detail and accuracy

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Education

Currently studying or planning to undertake a degree-level course in a construction-related discipline

Tools

Microsoft packages

Job description

About The Role

GRAHAM ACADEMY – TRAINEE PLANNER

Benefits: Car Allowance; Subsidised Private Medical Cover; Life Assurance Scheme; Living away from home allowance (where appropriate); Contributory Pension; 33 Days annual leave (Including Public Holidays)

Interested in technology, engineering and the built environment?

At GRAHAM, we are committed to growth and innovation. As our business expands, the Planning Team has opportunities for Technical Apprenticeship and Industrial Placements to join our Building Division.

As a Trainee 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 Trainee 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/evaluating 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 including progress
• Support the Planning team in assessing project progress positions
• Support the Planning team in production of graphical presentations using CAD etc.
• Support and coordinate 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 for the Trainee Planner 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.

Personal Specifications

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 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: relevant to the position applied for and understanding of why commercial awareness and business acumen are related and how these combine to meet customer needs and Graham business requirements.

Leadership skills: Communicates well and shows commitment to work as part of a fully integrated team.

Effective Communication: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports under supervision. 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 why customer needs are important and to forge ongoing sustainable links with customers to act in their and the business 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. Demonstrates ability to eventually 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 honesty, loyalty and commitment.

Negotiation: Willingness to learn and the ability to understand negotiation skills and why these are important for all supply chain members; all contractual rights and obligations are realised and protected.

About You

GRAHAM ROUTES TO BECOMING A PLANNER

TECHNICAL 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.

INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENTS

Our industrial placements can last from 3-12 months, dependent on your college/university curriculum. On your placement you will be given the support, guidance and experience which will lay the foundations for a great future in a Construction career. Show us what you can do and your placement could lead to a company scholarship award and an offer of employment when you graduate.

If you have any questions please contact a member of our HR team on 02892 689500.

Our Commitment to you: We are proud to say that we are an Equal Opportunities Employer and embrace a diverse workforce to maximise business performance and deliver lasting impact. Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) principles help create a positive team culture, a safer and healthier workplace, more innovation through diversity of ideas and a more productive workforce.

We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying, as we may be able to sponsor a work permit on your behalf. Individuals with a current time-restricted right to work in the UK should contact the Human Resources team.

A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by third-party clients. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request.

Please apply to our vacancy portal by uploading a comprehensive and targeted CV with your relevant experiences. Note: All applicants must complete an online monitoring form.