Manchester Sandwich Student Building Surveying (12-month Placement, 2026 Intake)

Colliers International EMEA; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property consultancy is seeking students for a Project & Building Consultancy position in Manchester. Role includes site inspections, reporting on projects, and supporting surveyors. Ideal candidates will be pursuing a RICS-accredited degree in Building Surveying and have GCSEs in English and Maths. This opportunity offers hands-on experience across various projects, with a full-time position starting in 2026. Strong communication, analytical skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are required.

Qualifications

• Degree 2:2 or above, essential for completing a RICS-accredited course.
• Experience in construction/placement work is desirable but not essential.
• Willingness to travel within the UK is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with site inspections and surveys to support qualified surveyors.
• Draft sections of reports and schedules accurately and timely.
• Provide support on landlord and tenant matters including approvals.

Skills

Clear written communication

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Prioritisation skills

Team player

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

RICS-accredited BSc/MSc in Building Surveying

GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

CAD

Bluebeam

Job description

Join our Project & Building Consultancy team and gain hands‑on experience across commercial projects of varying size and complexity. You will support qualified surveyors with inspections, reporting and project tasks under close supervision, building evidence towards RICS competencies and developing core technical and commercial skills.

Our strengthened team across the UK has expertise in all areas of Commercial Project and Building Consultancy in our London Office. We are a fun dynamic team offering fantastic placements for Sandwich Students. You would be involved in a broad range of activities for interesting clients and the opportunity to return as a graduate following the completion of your degree.

Our Emerging Talent Training Programme will provide you with a first‑class platform from which to launch your career in Building Surveying. It has been designed to ensure that you are able to demonstrate the required level of knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with becoming an RICS qualified Building Surveyor.

Main Responsibilities

• Site inspections and surveys. Assist inspections nationwide. Record measurements, photographs and defect notes; support building pathology and technical due diligence and highlight ESG and life‑cycle considerations to the lead surveyor.
• Reporting and deliverables. Draft sections of survey reports, schedules of condition, planned preventive maintenance (PPM) schedules and reinstatement cost assessments; check accuracy and help issue to agreed deadlines.
• Dilapidations support. Help compile evidence, maintain trackers and prepare draft schedules under supervision; observe negotiations.
• Contract administration and project monitoring. Assist with scopes/specifications, tender documentation and analysis; track programme, cost and quality; take minutes; support snagging and handover activities.
• Landlord and tenant matters. Provide support on Licences to Alter and related approvals including technical reviews and information coordination.
• Health safety and compliance. Follow CDM 2015 and company procedures; contribute to risk assessments and method statements; uphold site standards.
• Information management and digital tools. Maintain organised files and trackers; mark up drawings and specifications; use MS Office; exposure to CAD/Bluebeam is advantageous.
• Learning and development. Participate in the Emerging Talent Programme; keep an experience log aligned to Assessment of Professional Competence (APC); seek feedback and engage in CPD activities set by the Training & Development team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree 2 : 2 or above. It is essential that an applicant already has or is working towards the completion of a RICS‑accredited BSc/MSc in Building Surveying (completed or completing this academic year) or a RICS‑accredited masters conversion course.
• GCSEs English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme beginning September 2026. Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
• Clear written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail and an analytical mindset with sound numeracy.
• Prioritisation and time management skills to successfully balance competing priorities and ensure work is completed in a timely manner.
• A proactive team player who takes ownership and seeks feedback and grows with us.
• Relevant industry experience (e.g. placement internship site work) is desirable but not essential.
• Willingness to travel within the UK; a full UK driving licence is desirable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with CAD/Bluebeam/Microsoft Project is advantageous.

Location

This placement is for Manchester.

Application Process and EEO

Applications are regularly reviewed and early applications are strongly encouraged. We reserve the right to close the job posting before the deadline depending on the volume of applications received.

Apply by 7 November 2025 19:00 (UK time)

Colliers is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Remote Work: No
Employment Type: Full‑time