Trainee Quantity Surveyor

O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton; West of England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

University fees paid

Salary alongside studies

Structured training and mentoring

Clear progression to QS

Job summary

O'Neill & Brennan is offering a Degree Quantity Surveyor placement in Bristol, combining four days of site/commercial work with one day dedicated to university study. The programme funds university fees and provides a paid salary as you progress through your degree.

You’ll join a growing Main Contractor team, gaining real exposure to the commercial lifecycle and a clear pathway to become a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled on a Quantity Surveying or relevant construction degree.
• Based in Bristol or within a realistic commuting distance.
• Aim to build a long-term career within Main Contracting.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience with an established commercial team.
• Spend four days per week in the business and one day on university study.
• Receive structured training, mentoring and development in the commercial lifecycle.

Skills

Ambition

Commercial awareness

Willingness to learn

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

Construction-related degree

Job description

Degree Quantity Surveyor - Main Contractor

Bristol | 4 Days with Contractor / 1 Day University | University Fees Paid | Structured Salary Progression

O'Neill & Brennan are working with an established and growing Main Contractor in Bristol who are looking to appoint a Degree Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team and established development programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for somebody who is already studying towards a Quantity Surveying or relevant construction-related degree and wants to combine their university studies with meaningful, hands‑on commercial experience within a Main Contracting environment.

Please note: this opportunity is specifically for candidates already enrolled at university and progressing through their degree. It is not aimed at applicants looking to start a degree course.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will typically spend four days per week working within the business, gaining practical experience alongside an established commercial team, with the fifth day dedicated to their university studies.

The contractor has invested heavily in its development programme, providing a structured route for individuals to develop academically and professionally while gaining exposure to live construction projects.

As part of the programme:

• University tuition fees will be paid by the employer
• You will receive a salary alongside your studies
• Salary is banded with increases as you progress through each year of your degree
• You will receive structured training, mentoring and commercial development
• You will gain genuine Main Contractor experience across the commercial lifecycle of projects
• There is a clear pathway towards becoming a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor within the business
• Due to continued growth and the success of their existing development programme, the business is now in a position to bring somebody into the team at an earlier stage of their degree progression.

Who We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who:

• Are currently enrolled on a Quantity Surveying or relevant construction degree
• Are based in Bristol or within a realistic commuting distance
• Want to build a long‑term career within Main Contracting
• Have a genuine interest in the commercial side of construction
• Are ambitious, personable and keen to develop within a structured environment
• We would also be very interested in candidates who are already undertaking a similar degree‑supported programme with a subcontractor, specialist contractor or other construction business, but who would like the opportunity to transition into a Main Contractor environment and gain broader project and commercial exposure.

Previous Main Contractor experience is therefore not essential.

Why Apply?

This is more than simply a part‑time role alongside university. It provides the opportunity to complete your degree without personally funding your university fees, earn a salary that increases as you progress academically, and graduate with several years of meaningful Main Contractor experience already behind you.

For the right individual, it offers a structured route from university through to becoming an established Quantity Surveyor within a successful contracting business.

• Location: Bristol
• Position: Degree / Trainee Quantity Surveyor
• Working Pattern: 4 days with the contractor + 1 university study day
• Salary: Banded salary with annual increases linked to degree progression
• University Fees: Fully funded as part of the development programme

O'Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation