Trainee Site/Construction Manager - Degree Apprenticeship (National)

Stepnell; Rugby; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional contractor is offering a Trainee Site Manager position based in Rugby. This apprenticeship allows you to work on live sites, gaining practical experience in site management. Responsibilities include liaising with clients, supervising workers, and ensuring project quality. The ideal candidate will have enthusiasm for the construction industry, good communication skills, and basic math knowledge. A competitive salary of £19,000 is offered, along with training and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Access to professional training

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and motivation for a career in construction.
• No previous experience is required.
• Understanding of building and construction is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with clients and update stakeholders on project progress.
• Supervise construction workers and coordinate subcontractors.
• Order and manage materials for project phases.

Skills

Excellent time management

Leadership potential

Verbal communication

Logical thinking

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

UCAS points for HNC entry

Job description

Are you enthusiastic about starting a career in Construction Site Management and looking for an opportunity to earn while you learn? Stepnell, a leading regional contractor delivering projects up to £30 million, is offering fantastic Higher and Degree Apprenticeship opportunities for motivated individuals ready to begin their journey in construction.

You’ll join supportive regional teams, working alongside experienced site managers and construction professionals, gaining hands‑on experience on live projects from day one. At Stepnell, we don’t just build projects – we build careers.

What You’ll Do

As a Trainee Site Manager, you’ll be based 100% on live construction sites, learning how to support the safe and successful delivery of projects. You’ll gain experience in key site management duties such as:

• Liaising with clients and updating staff and stakeholders on project progress
• Supervising construction workers and coordinating subcontractors
• Ordering and managing materials for each phase of the project
• Monitoring build costs, schedules, and progress
• Conducting quality and safety inspections
• Reviewing site reports, drawings, and design information
• Maintaining robust quality control processes
• Motivating the site workforce and supporting team coordination
• Identifying and resolving day‑to‑day site issues
• Using specialist construction and project management software
• Working on‑site in all weather conditions and environments

What You’ll Learn

• Core site management principles and procedures
• Health, safety, and environmental compliance
• Practical application of your studies on live projects
• Construction planning, sequencing, and progress monitoring
• How to manage subcontractors, labour, and site resources
• Understanding of building regulations and industry standards
• Leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills essential for running a site

Who We’re Looking For

No previous experience is required – just enthusiasm, motivation, and a genuine interest in construction. You must have the UCAS points required for entry onto an HNC, with willingness to progress to a Construction Management Degree Apprenticeship.

You should also have:

• Knowledge of building and construction (advantageous, not essential)
• Excellent time management and leadership potential
• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong initiative and logical thinking
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced environment
• A professional and respectful approach
• Good understanding of basic maths
• Commitment to following safety guidelines at all times
• Access to a vehicle and a full UK driving licence (or a plan to achieve this)

Where You’ll Work

You’ll work from one as part of our regional teams: Eastleigh (South Coast), Bristol (South West), Rugby (Warwickshire/Northamptonshire), or Nottingham (East Midlands), supporting projects throughout the regional patch.

Why?

At Stepnell, you’ll work on real projects with genuine responsibility, gaining hands‑on experience that truly matters. You’ll learn from experienced professionals who are committed to mentoring and supporting your development, with clear career progression opportunities from placement to graduate and eventually into management roles. As a supportive team, we’re dedicated to helping you thrive.

You’ll receive a competitive salary of £19,000, which increases year on year, 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, a contributory pension scheme, and access to valuable professional training, including your CSCS card and Health & Safety certifications.

Training & Development

• Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Site Supervision (Level 4)
• Progression to BSc Construction Management (Degree Apprenticeship)
• CSCS card
• MCIOB pathways as you advance
• Mentoring and on‑the‑job learning from experienced site management teams
• Continuous professional development throughout your career
• Trainee Site Manager
• Site Manager
• Senior Site Manager
• Project Manager
• Contracts Manager
• Regional Manager

What happens next?

• Initial Screening – up to 31st January 2026: Applications will be reviewed by our Training Manager, who will shortlist candidates for the next stage.
• Telephone Interviews – December 2025 to February 2026: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a telephone interview with a member of our team.
• Face‑to‑Face Interviews – February to March 2026: Candidates progressing from the telephone stage will be invited to attend in‑person interviews with our regional teams.

Timeline for a Response – due to the expected high volume of applications, updates on the outcome of the initial screening will be provided within 8 weeks.

Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

Stepnell is where your career in construction begins. Apply now to gain experience, skills, and a head start in your professional journey.

Why Stepnell

At Stepnell, we’re passionate about empowering our people to thrive. We believe in building fulfilling and rewarding careers by investing in talent, nurturing growth, and inspiring innovation. With the prestigious Investors in People Gold accreditation, we’re proud to place our people at the heart of everything we do. Every team member is valued, and curiosity and collaboration are central to our team culture. We’re committed to enabling our people to make a real impact and drive meaningful change throughout our business.

To show our appreciation, we offer generous and competitive benefits including an enhanced pension scheme with a Stepnell contribution of 7% to help secure your financial future, annual leave that increases with service and the flexibility to purchase more, a market‑leading employee referral scheme, and for eligible roles comprehensive health coverage, adjustable start and finish times and a car allowance or company car.

Join us in a collaborative and inclusive environment where your well‑being is our priority, and your contributions are truly valued.

About Stepnell

As a family‑owned business with over 155 years of history, Stepnell is built on stability, trust, and long‑term thinking. We make decisions with the future in mind for our people, our clients, and our communities.

Our capabilities span construction, property development, energy solutions, joinery, and concrete repair, allowing us to offer integrated services that meet a wide range of client needs. Operating through seven regional offices in Rugby, Nottingham, Liverpool, Wantage, Bristol, Southampton, and Poolevand across three core business units, we maintain a strong local presence while delivering consistently high standards. Today, repeat clients account for 75% of our turnover a testament to our reliability and the quality of our relationships.