2027 Commercial Industry placement

Laing O'Rourke; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke invites ambitious students to join its Industry Placement Programme as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. You will work within commercial teams on live projects, learning to manage costs, contracts and procurement while developing key professional and technical skills for a Chartered Quantity Surveyor career.

The 12‑month placement offers exposure to project delivery, budgeting, cost reporting and commercial processes across UK sites, with potential future opportunities within

Qualifications

• Relevant degree subjects in construction or engineering.
• Strong numeracy and analytical abilities.
• Teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist monthly cost management activities on live projects.
• Support subcontract administration and maintain commercial records.
• Assist with interim applications and final accounts.
• Measure and quantify construction works.
• Support valuation of variations.
• Contribute to commercial reporting.
• Assist with risk management activities.
• Maintain project documentation in live environments.

Skills

Cost management

Subcontract administration

Risk management

Commercial reporting

Measurement & QS activities

Education

Quantity Surveying

Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Job description

At Laing O'Rourke, we deliver complex engineering and construction projects that shape the built environment. We're looking for ambitious and motivated students who are eager to learn, take on responsibility and gain hands‑on industry experience. Through our Industry Placement Programme, you'll develop professional and technical expertise, contribute to real projects and build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for a successful career in construction and engineering.

About the programme

Laing O'Rourke's Industry placements provide an excellent opportunity to gain practical, real‑world experience within our project‑based environment across a 12 month period. You'll work on live projects, build your professional network and develop industry‑relevant skills while applying your academic learning in a workplace setting. Successful placement students may be considered for future opportunities across our Early Talent programmes, helping to build a strong foundation for a long‑term career with Laing O'Rourke.

WhatProfessional Accreditation can be achieved through this role:

Not applicable

Key Responsibilities – What you'll do:

As a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, you will support commercial teams in managing costs, contracts, procurement and financial performance across live projects whilst developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

• The placement will create opportunities to assist with monthly cost management activities
• Support subcontract administration, prepare and maintain commercial records
• Assist with interim applications and final accounts
• Measure and quantify construction works
• Support valuation of variations
• Contribute to commercial reporting
• Assist with risk management activities
• Maintain project documentation, within live project environments.

Teams and Departments this role will interact with most:

Project Delivery, Construction, Engineering, Procurement, Planning, Design Management, Digital Engineering, Manufacturing, HSE, Finance, Supply Chain, Project Controls,

The following Degree Subjects are suitable for this role:

Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Construction Economics, Project Management, Civil Engineering, Finance, Economics, Business Management, Other non construction degree disciplines are considered.

Additional Information

Location: National, Laing O'Rourke projects are nationwide.

We are recruiting for locations that we anticipate having Early Talent roles for at the time of our next programme commencement. Please note that due to the nature of the business, there could be changes to locations noted.

Our projects are based across the UK (National) so you'll need to be prepared to be flexible about where you work. Depending on project requirements, this may involve travelling, staying away from home during the week, or relocating closer to a project site. In return, you'll gain valuable experience working on a variety of projects, helping you develop your skills and broaden your career opportunities.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.