Quantity Surveying Graduate Programme

Tussell Limited; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension

Employee share schemes

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing support

STEM outreach

Job summary

Cavendish Nuclear, a wholly owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group, offers a two-year Quantity Surveying Graduate Programme based at HM Naval Base Devonport. You’ll gain experience across the full commercial lifecycle, working under NEC4 ECC/PSC terms and supporting quotations, change management, and payments.

The programme leads to a permanent role within the Quantity Surveying function, with support toward professional chartership and structured mentorship.

Qualifications

• Accredited degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management.
• Masters in Quantity Surveying is desirable.
• Willingness to pursue professional chartership with RICS.

Responsibilities

• Support quotations and change management on major infrastructure projects.
• Review applications for payment and contribute to subcontract tendering and management.
• Collaborate with MoD and supply chain to ensure successful project delivery.

Education

RICS-accredited degree in Quantity Surveying

Masters in Quantity Surveying

Job description

What will you do on the programme?

On the Quantity Surveying Graduate Programme, you’ll support the commercial management of major infrastructure projects at HM Naval Base Devonport – the largest naval base in Western Europe. You’ll be part of a team delivering a long‑term, multi‑billion‑pound programme of critical civil construction projects, helping ensure the site evolves to meet the future needs of the Royal Navy. You’ll gain experience across the full commercial lifecycle, operating under NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) and Professional Service Contract (PSC) terms and conditions and various pricing options. Your responsibilities will include supporting quotations, managing change, reviewing applications for payment, and contributing to subcontract tendering and management. You’ll work closely with the Ministry of Defence and our supply chain to help ensure projects are delivered successfully. Working on complex, technically challenging projects, you’ll develop both your technical expertise and professional skills alongside experienced commercial teams.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two‑year programme made up of four six‑month placements, giving you the opportunity to work across a variety of projects and teams while building a strong foundation in Quantity Surveying practice. You can expect exposure to a range of exciting and complex projects, helping you develop your skills and gain a clearer understanding of where you’d like to take your career.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, tailored training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond. You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert‑led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing. We’ll also support your journey towards professional chartership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), covering all associated fees.

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

When you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Quantity Surveying function, where you can build on what you’ve learned and continue to develop your expertise. You’ll also receive ongoing support to progress towards professional chartership. From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped‑out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks. You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Where will you be based?

Our Quantity Surveying Graduate Programme for September 2027 is based in Devonport, Plymouth. Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through‑life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability. We offer agile working, giving you some flexibility, but you can expect to spend several days a week on‑site as part of your role and development. The balance between on‑site and remote working will vary depending on the needs of specific projects, with some weeks requiring more time on‑site than others. From time to time, you may also need to be flexible with your working hours, including occasional overtime, to help support project delivery. Once you’ve successfully completed the programme, you’ll continue your career in the same location, so it’s worth considering this when applying.

• You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, an accredited RICS degree in Quantity Surveying, Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management or Construction Management (minimum 2:2), or a Masters in Quantity Surveying.
• Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

We are Cavendish Nuclear, a wholly owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group and the UK’s leading nuclear services company. With a highly skilled workforce we are located at offices and sites in the UK as well as internationally. Our people innovate to make nuclear safer, faster, at lower cost and deliver across the mid all aspects of the nuclear energy life cycle, from design and build, through operations and maintenance, to decommissioning, waste management and remediation. A career with us is hugely rewarding and exciting; one that stretches and challenges individuals to be the best they can be. When you join Cavendish Nuclear, you will have opportunities to work on projects that will have an impact on the future.At Cavendish Nuclear we put people first. Work with us and you’ll discover that our focus on people is unique.