GRAHAM Academy - Student Planner (Year Out Placement) - Northern Ireland

BPIC Network; Royal Hillsborough; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

GRAHAM Academy is offering a student placement in Northern Ireland for a Student Planner. You will join a planning team to learn how tender programmes and master schedules are created and managed on major projects.

On placement you will gain practical experience, develop technical and problem-solving skills, and observe how design data is translated into construction progress. Prior exposure to CAD or 3D modelling is helpful but not required.

Qualifications

• Currently studying or planning to undertake a higher or degree-level course in a construction-related discipline.
• Strong IT skills and confidence with Microsoft packages.
• Interest in technology, design, or strategy (ICT, CAD).
• Ability to read drawings and visual information.
• Basic knowledge of project management concepts (e.g. timelines, milestones).

Responsibilities

• Support the Planning team in analysis of tender information and preparation of tender programmes.
• Support the Planning team in the preparation of master programmes.
• Analyse and support labour resource and plant planning.
• Assist in assessing construction methods and techniques.
• Prepare procurement and information schedules.
• Assist 4D Planning by linking 3D models to programme and progress.

Skills

IT skills

CAD

Reading drawings

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Higher or degree-level course in construction-related discipline

Tools

CAD software

3D modelling tools

Job description

GRAHAM Academy - Student Planner (Year Out Placement) - Northern Ireland

Hillsborough, United Kingdom

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 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.

About You

GRAHAM ROUTES TO BECOMING A PLANNER

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.

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.
• 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

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

BENEFITS

• Car Allowance, Pension, Private Medical Cover, Life Assurance Scheme