LABC Trainee Building Inspector

Isle of Wight Council; Thorley; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority organization is seeking a Trainee Building Inspector for a two-year program on the Isle of Wight. This position involves helping with surveying activities, gaining qualifications in building control, and earning a competitive salary. The program includes a hybrid working model and mentorship to progress towards becoming a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor or Building Engineer.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private Pension with employee contribution

Laptop provided

Investment in development worth over £10,000

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience in a related discipline like construction or ex-military.
• Level 3 S/NVQ qualification in a related discipline is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering surveying activities related to building control.
• Inspect building work to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Work with designers and contractors.

Skills

Problem-solving

Technical aptitude

Education

Minimum 3 A levels at grade C or higher

Level 3 S/NVQ in construction

Job description

Overview

Trainee Building Inspector Positions on the Isle of Wight

Looking for an opportunity to earn while you learn and gain the qualifications needed to start a successful career in the construction industry? Following a successful initial recruitment campaign resulting in over 150 placements, LABC, the organisation that represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales, is recruiting additional trainees to join their LABC Academy, starting in December 2025.

The LABC Academy Programme is a two-year programme that provides the opportunity to learn on the job working towards level 4 and level 5 diplomas in building control surveying whilst gaining on-the-job experience with a local authority building control department. Throughout the programme you'll earn a competitive salary and on completion you'll have the skills, qualifications and experience required to become a Registered Building Inspector as well as the opportunity to progress to become a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor or Building Engineer.

As a Trainee Building Inspector, you’ll assist in delivering a range of surveying activities relating to building control, including working with designers and contractors to achieve compliance with building regulations, doing inspections of building work, assisting in technical investigations and responding to dangerous structure call outs. Successful candidates will be employed by LABC but be based in a local authority to allow you to gain practical experience.

We are currently seeking candidates to be based in the following location:

• Isle of Wight Council (PO30 2QS)

Please note - This role will require regular travel to sites within your local authority. Therefore, you will need a full driving licence or be working towards having one by employment start date.

What does the programme include?

• Two years accredited learning, where you will earn your level 4 and level 5 diplomas in building control surveying. As a funded programme you will have no student debt to pay back!
• Hybrid working approach - 35-hour work week mainly consisting of two days home based learning/study and three days on the job training with your assigned local authority (with five days in your local authority outside ‘term’ time)
• A competitive salary throughout the duration of the programme.
• Regular salary increases following successful completion of education and competence milestones.
• A dedicated LABC coordinator to support you throughout your employment with LABC.
• An experienced local authority mentor who will meet with you daily
• Training and experience to become a Chartered Surveyor or Building Engineer.

What do I need to join?

• We’re seeking technically minded candidates who like problem solving, are keen to learn and are looking to build a real career in the construction industry.
• To apply you will need one of the following:
• Minimum 3 A levels at grade C or higher (or equivalent - 80 UCAS points)
• Demonstrable experience in a relevant or related discipline for example but not limited to construction, ex-military, fire etc.
• A qualification at level 3 S/NVQ in construction or a related discipline

What can LABC offer you?

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private Pension with 4% employers' contribution and 4% employee contribution
• Hybrid working (typically 2 days training and study at home, 3 days site based)
• Season ticket loan scheme
• 35 hour working week
• Laptop
• Investment in your development as a Building Inspector through levels 4 and 5 diplomas over two-year Fixed Term Contract. This investment is worth over £10,000.

Applications need to be received by 10 October via the Opus LABC landing page:

https://opuspeoplesolutions.co.uk/clients/labc

The application process

• Initial application - Submit your CV to Opus. We'll then contact you with a few more questions to complete your application.
• Assessment centre - If your application is successful, you'll then be invited to attend one of the assessment centres on 14/15 October in North/South Wales (for applications for Welsh authorities) and 21/22 October in Birmingham for applications for English authorities.
• Offer - We'll notify you of the assessment centre outcome within one week. If you’re successful, we'll then work with LABC to get everything ready for you to start your new role. Please note all offers are subject to satisfactory references and a clean DBS check.

PLEASE NOTE: These roles will be employed by LABC and not the Isle of Wight Council. The placements will be undertaken at Isle of Wight Council offices and if you would like to discuss these roles with the local team on the Isle of Wight, then contact Matt Downer, Building Control Manager via [e-mail]