Trainee Quantity Surveyor Apprentice

COGNISANT CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

CAMBRIDGE (CB3 0AJ)

Closes in 10 days (Thursday 19 November 2026)

Posted on 9 November 2026

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Summary

Cognisant Construction, a Cambridge-based main contractor, is looking for a Trainee Quantity Surveyor to join its commercial team. Gain hands-on experience on live construction projects, supporting subcontract procurement, cost control and valuations while working towards a QS qualification.

Wage

£16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Construction quantity surveying technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday – 9am - 5:30pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 December 2026

Duration

2 years 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

  • Assist the commercial team with subcontractor enquiries, tender comparisons and package procurement.
  • Help prepare and review subcontract orders, scope documents and commercial records.
  • Undertake site measurements, quantity take-offs and checks against drawings and specifications.
  • Assist with monthly valuations, subcontractor payment applications and payment notices.
  • Support cost reporting, forecasting, variation assessments and the tracking of project expenditure.
  • Attend site visits and meetings, working alongside site managers, project managers and subcontractors.
  • Maintain accurate records of quotations, instructions, variations and commercial correspondence.
  • Learn how a main contractor manages cost, risk, programme and supply-chain relationships from procurement through to final account.

Where you'll work

ST. GILES COURT
24 CASTLE STREET
CAMBRIDGE
CB3 0AJ

Training

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

Training provider

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY

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

Cognisant will provide practical, on the job training within its commercial team, supported by experienced Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers. The trainee will gain exposure to live projects, from tendering and procurement through construction and final account.

Academic pathway - The intention is to support the trainee onto an appropriate Quantity Surveying degree apprenticeship, including agreed study time, subject to eligibility and confirmation of the training provider and course.

Professional development - Structured experience in measurement, subcontract procurement, valuations, variations, cost reporting and commercial administration, with increasing responsibility as skills develop.

Mentoring - Day to day guidance, regular feedback and support with professional development.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade C/4 or above)

A Level in:

A Level or Equivalent Qualification (grade 112 UCAS Points)

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
  • Number skills
  • Reliable
  • Microsoft Office

Other requirements

Full UK Driving License or ability to travel to project sites.

About this employer

Cognisant Construction Ltd is a Cambridge-based main contractor delivering construction projects, including residential developments. Working closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers, the business manages projects through procurement and construction to completion. Our commercial team is responsible for securing subcontract packages, managing costs and variations, assessing payments and maintaining commercial control across live projects.

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

After this apprenticeship

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

This role offers a route into a long-term career in quantity surveying with a main contractor. As knowledge and experience grow, the successful candidate could progress from Trainee Quantity Surveyor to Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor and, in time, more senior commercial roles. Support towards a relevant degree and professional qualification will be discussed as part of the apprenticeship arrangement.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY

Callum walker

callum@cognisantconstruction.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000063151.

Apply now

Closes in 10 days (Thursday 19 November 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.