2025 Professional Apprentice - Operations Management Trainee

Role Overview

We're looking for bright and committed applicants who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the construction and engineering industry.   

Laing O’Rourke - Our Origin Story
We have always had a strong culture at Laing O’Rourke, stemming from our family ownership and passion to deliver projects that improve the lives of the communities they serve.

This role is within the Select Plant Hire business. Our Operations Management Trainee will assist and work within multiple departments, to coordinate and optimise the day-to-day operations carried out by our teams, ensuring an efficient and effective service for customers.

The role involves strategic planning, business analysis, and hands on operational coordination, to push for improvements and achieve the businesses goals. There will be opportunity for rotation through different departments within the Select Plant Hire business, developing your operational skills and knowledge.

Location  

  • St Neots, Cambridgeshire
  • Dartford, Kent

Key Deliverables and Accountabilities  

The candidate will have a variety of responsibilities subject to their expertise and preference, examples include:

  • Process Optimisation – Identify, enhance implement new business and operational processes.
  • Allocation – Assist with allocation of workforce, plant and finance, looking for optimal utilisation.
  • Continuous Improvement- Addressing operational challenges and proactively seeking and assisting the implementation of solutions.
  • Operational Planning – Assist with the development of operational plans / work.
  • Leverage data from across the business to produce coherent and comprehensive analysis and reports to support decision making by management with regards product development, investment, and business planning.
  • Willingness to work additional hours outside the contracted hours as and when required.
  • Willingness to stay away from home as and when required.
  • Visit client sites as and when required to review performance and develop relationships with the client and operations teams.
  • To liaise with teams across the business and identify cross-functional opportunities for knowledge sharing and business improvement.
  • Ad hoc duties to assist the business to achieve its overall aims.
  • Gain a breadth of knowledge from across Select business with regards to products, processes, and people.
  • Explore opportunities for general business improvement process re-deign.

The Laing O'Rourke Professional Apprenticeship Programme - what can you expect? 

Our professional apprenticeship programme has been developed to ensure you are supported throughout every step of your journey, combining work-based experience with off-the-job training. You will be stretched, challenged and supported by a business that views your professional development and formal qualification as a priority.

Our programme will provide a fully funded day or block release Level 4 (HNC) and/or Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship in your chosen vocation, while working as a full time Laing O'Rourke employee. It will also include a series of bespoke development modules, and technical training opportunities, strategically placed to support you at key stages of your apprenticeship journey.

During the programme you will work across a range of projects, which will offer the breadth and variety to support your occupational competency and will contribute towards the achievement of your apprenticeship and professional accreditation.

Apprenticeship Level and Standard   

Chartered manager (degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Apprenticeship Provider  

Laing O'Rourke collaborate with trusted and approved training providers for our apprenticeship delivery. Successful candidates will be required to make an application to our preferred provider for the apprenticeship route you have chosen.  

Entry Grades  

  • 3 A Levels preferably including Math's or a Science Subject

Entry requirements 

We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:  

  • You must be eligible to work in the UK with a valid work permit
  • Entry grades will be listed within each job description, and they will differ from role to role
  • To qualify for this programme, you will need to have a minimum of three A-Levels/or equivalent

**The Professional apprenticeship Programme will commence in September 2025** 

Benefits

  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Life Assurance
  • Personal Accident and Injury Insurance
  • Income Protection
  • Pension - basic & enhanced scheme
  • Annual Leave
  • Discounts Portal
  • Online Doctor
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • Work-Life Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Car/Travel Allowance (*Role dependant)
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Job ID Number: 5530
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Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    Ongoing
  • Starting
    September 2025
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    Competitive + benefits
  • Location
    Dartford (Kent) and St Neots (Cambridgeshire)
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