Pre-Construction Apprentice

HOWARD CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD

Leeds (LS14 1NG)

Closes in 17 days (Friday 3 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 16 June 2026

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Summary

The apprentice works under the guidance of senior estimators, learning how to prepare cost estimates, understand project documentation, and support tender submissions for civil engineering projects such as highways, drainage, earthworks, and utilities.

Howards provides a strong apprentice experience across 10 years. 

Wage

£18,720 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

A structure programme will be in place from day 1 showing salary increases where milestones are met. 

Training course
Construction quantity surveying technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm.

45 hours a week

Start date

Monday 14 September 2026

Duration

2 years

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

  • Support the pre-construction team in the preparation of accurate and detailed estimates for civil engineering projects, including highways, drainage, reinforced concrete, earthworks, and other infrastructure works. Estimates are to be scheme-specific and not generic.
  • Analyse tender drawings, specifications, and other project documentation to understand scope and materials required.
  • Undertaking measures/take-off’s in line with the appropriate measurement rules, and establishing robust BoQ (Bill of Quantities) and pricing documents.
  • Logging all tender enquiry information, manipulating the data and presenting it in graphical format for review
  • Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain quotations and ensure competitive pricing. Furthermore, complete comparison exercises on the quotation and engage the supplier to ensure the quotation is robust and compliant.
  • Assist in the preparation of tender documents and submission of bids.
  • Attend site visits and meetings with clients or senior team members to gather on-site data when necessary.
  • Support the commercial team in the handover process, ensuring that the understanding at the tender stage is clearly communicated, which includes providing material budgets, breakdown of rates, tendered outputs, tender quotations, etc.

Where you'll work

Limewood Approach
Leeds
LS14 1NG

Training

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

Training provider

LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING

Training course

Construction quantity surveying technician (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Health and Safety: Apply health and safety issues to all activities.
  • Sustainability: Demonstrate application of the principles of sustainability.
  • Construction Technology: Assist in the implementation of the most appropriate solutions for construction projects
  • Contracts: Be able to apply different types of contracts to different situations.
  • Procurement: Assist in the selection of and negotiation with specialist contractors for a construction project.
  • Cost control: Assist in the measurement and costing of construction works during a project.
  • Financial reporting: Assist in the preparation of financial reports, cash flow and cost forecasts for a construction project.
  • Administration: Assist in the collection, collation and storage of relevant data and its analysis.

Training schedule

Leeds college of building are Howard Civil Engineering's chosen learning partner, the course spans 2 years and the apprentice shall attend college on a day release basis. 

Mentoring will be provided be a senior estimator whilst in a work setting.

Requirements

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Howard Civil Engineering is one of the North's leading civil engineering companies. We are a client focussed organisation who prides itself on building strong, trustworthy relationships that are made to last. We listen to our customers’ needs and endeavour to deliver a bespoke package to ensure outstanding results. We are a family-owned business, with our most senior director boasting over 48 years of experience in the industry. Our deeply rooted family values are integral to our business ethos, and this is reflected in our relationships with our stakeholders. We feel the wealth of experience earned since our founding in 2003 is key to the success of our business.

https://howardcivileng.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Trainee estimator - Junior Estimator - Estimator - Senior Estimator.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HOWARD CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD

Ewan Mason

Ewan.Mason@howardcivileng.co.uk

07394560482

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037358.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Friday 3 July 2026 at 11:59pm)