Trainee Estimators (M&E)

J&B Hopkins Ltd; Fareham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the M&E industry is seeking a Trainee Estimator to join their successful estimating team. This role offers the opportunity to learn and grow while supporting major construction projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in estimating and a basic understanding of M&E systems. The company promotes professional development and offers a range of benefits, including a flexible holiday scheme and onsite gym.

Benefits

Flexible Holiday Scheme

Onsite Gym

Flexible Working

Staff Social Events

Time off for charity work

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Eye Welfare contributions

Employer Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Some experience or strong interest in estimating within the M&E industry.
• Basic understanding of M&E systems and construction methods.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing cost estimates for mechanical or electrical projects.
• Support review of drawings and specifications.
• Help liaise with suppliers to gather pricing information.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Understanding of M&E systems

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are proud of our 45 years within the industry, built on a foundation of our people's success and innovation.

Trainee Estimator (M&E) Salary: Competitive and Company Benefits

Contract: Permanent

What we are looking for?

We are seeking a trainee estimator eager to learn and grow within a successful estimating team. You will support the delivery of major M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) construction projects at our Solent head office in Fareham.

You will assist the team in meeting operational and financial goals while learning to contribute to a collaborative environment throughout the project lifecycle. Your role will help ensure that projects meet high standards and client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist in preparing cost estimates for mechanical or electrical projects, learning to account for labour, materials, and subcontractor costs.
2. Support review of drawings, specifications, and tender documents to understand the project scope.
3. Help liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to gather pricing information and learn about rate negotiation.
4. Work closely with internal teams to ensure estimates align with technical and project requirements.
5. Begin to identify potential risks, savings opportunities, and value engineering options under guidance from senior team members.
6. Contribute to tender submissions and support the smooth handover of information to project delivery teams.

Skills & Experience

• Some experience or strong interest in estimating within the M&E industry.
• Basic understanding of M&E systems, construction methods, and industry standards.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and tender documents.
• Familiarity with estimating software and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills, with a willingness to develop further.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to assist in negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Growing knowledge of current market rates and cost trends within the M&E sector.

In a nutshell

At Hopkins, our purpose is to deliver high customer service and industry knowledge. Our vision is to self-deliver sustainable projects from design through installation, maintaining buildings to operate as originally designed. We have built a team of dedicated, innovative, and creative people who never settle for "just average".

As we expand our network across the south of the UK, with hubs in Hampshire, East Sussex, and Thames Valley, we aim to continue delivering great service and innovative projects.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a progressive business that invests in its people.

Our commitment to you

As a key team member, you'll be encouraged to develop your skills with support from our tools and bespoke development plans created with our HR team and your line manager.

We offer various benefits, including:

• Flexible Holiday Scheme
• Onsite Gym
• Flexible Working
• Staff Social Events
• Time off for charity work
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Eye Welfare contributions
• Employer Assistance Programme

Be yourself

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. We support accessibility and individual needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact us if you require assistance or accommodations.

About J&B Hopkins

Since 1978, Hopkins has been built on family values and has grown significantly, with over 200 employees. We promote from within and focus on developing our people from early careers to leadership roles.