Graham Academy - Student Planner (Year Out Placement) - Thames Valley / North West London

BPIC Network; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car Allowance

Pension

Private Medical Cover

Life Assurance Scheme

Job summary

GRAHAM is seeking motivated students to join our Planning Team as a Student Construction Planner or for Industrial Placements. You will join a busy planning team shaping how major projects are delivered and will gain hands-on experience in tender analysis, master programmes and 4D planning.

No prior planning software experience is required; we will train you. Placements can last 3–12 months, aligning with college or university curricula, and may lead to a company scholarship and future

Qualifications

• Currently studying or planning to undertake a construction-related degree.
• Strong IT skills with confidence using Microsoft packages.
• Logical thinking and problem solving.
• 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 organized, and meet deadlines.
• Experience in a construction-related environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyse tender information and prepare tender programmes.
• Prepare master programmes and analyse labour resources.
• Assess construction methods and techniques.
• Prepare prelims and procurement/information schedules.
• Support 4D Planning linking 3D models to the programme.
• Assess project progress positions and maintain records.
• Produce graphical presentations using CAD.
• Distribute programmes and coordinate planning activities.
• Support the smooth running of the planning department.

Skills

Strong IT skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Reading drawings

CAD knowledge

3D modelling familiarity

Time management

Willingness to learn

Construction environment experience

Education

Construction-related degree (studying/undertaking)

Tools

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

• 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.

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.

Recruitment Process

• The closing date for applications will be Friday 8th January 2027.
• Interviews will commence in February 2027.
• Successful candidates will be notified in March 2027.
• All successful applicants will join the business by September 2027, with some opportunities to start earlier where possible.

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