Apprentice Estimator - Business Administration

PHILADELPHIA STRUCTURES LTD

PETERLEE (SR8 2HU)

Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 8 October 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 24 September 2025

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Summary

Once trained, a Structural Steel Estimator will be responsible for evaluating construction project requirements, establishing that they are suitable and align with the company's capability, and if so, preparing accurate cost estimates for structural steel structures and components.

• Wage:

  £15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:30am-4pm. Friday 7:30am-12:30pm.

  39 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 20 October 2025

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Project Analysis - Reviewing Structural drawings, project specifications, and Tender documents to determine suitability to tender
• Quantity Take-offs - Take off quantities of steel from structural engineers drawings, estimating connections allowance and any bought out items associated with project
• Fabrication Times - Estimate fabrication times for each component to provide a summary estimated for fabrication hours per tonne
• Erection/Installation - Estimate erection duration including craneage and access plant required for the project
• Supplier Liaison - Obtaining quotes from suppliers and subcontractors ensuring competitive pricing, including transport and bought out items
• Cost Estimation - Preparing summary cost estimates covering materials, fabrication, painting, transportation and installation
• Risk Assessment - Identifying potential risks, such as material fluctuations, design complexities or installation complexities, impacting costs
• Bid Preparation - Compiling and submitting tender quotations often under tight deadlines
• Client Interaction - Working closely with Client Bid managers and Estimators to clarify project details, answering queries and offering value engineering where applicable

Where you'll work

4 PALMER ROAD
SOUTH WEST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
PETERLEE
SR8 2HU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

You will work towards a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.

You'll be based solely in the workplace 5 days a week, and a college tutor will come and visit you once a month. When the college tutor comes to visit you, you will have teaching sessions, observations and preparations for your end point assessment. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4 (or Equivalent))
• Maths (grade 4 (or Equivalent))

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working

About this employer

Philadelphia Structures are a manufacturer of metal structures and parts of structures, running for over 20 years.

After this apprenticeship

Possibility of payment and employment, and going on to complete further qualifications.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Emma Norbury

emma.norbury@eastdurham.ac.uk

01915185587

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000343573.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 8 October 2025 at 11:59pm)

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