GRAHAM Academy – Trainee Building Services Manager - Interior Fit-Out

To achieve a Higher Apprenticeship qualification.

Job Summary

As the GRAHAM business continues to grow and develop, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us as a Trainee Building Services Manager through an apprenticeship programme. The successful candidate will support the delivery of high-quality interior fit out and refurbishment projects across the London region, working closely with our experienced project teams.

GRAHAM Academy

Turn your interest in our exciting industry into a fantastic career opportunity with GRAHAM.

As a Trainee Building Services Manager, you will support the planning, coordination, and delivery of Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) services within fast-paced commercial fit out environments. Working alongside experienced Building Services and Project Managers, you will help ensure building services installations are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Through a combination of on-the-job learning and formal study, you will gain hands-on experience in reviewing technical designs, coordinating specialist subcontractors, monitoring installation progress, and supporting testing and commissioning activities. You will also develop an understanding of how building services are integrated into modern office, retail, hospitality, and commercial interiors.

This is an excellent opportunity to build a career within the construction industry, developing the technical, commercial, and project management skills needed to become a Building Services Manager. You'll play an important role in helping deliver successful fit out projects on time, within budget, and to our clients' expectations while working alongside experienced industry professionals.

Job Description:

The Trainee Building Services Manager will assist the Building Services team throughout the project lifecycle, from pre-construction through to project completion and aftercare.

Responsibilities include:

Assist with reviewing Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) designs during pre-construction and project delivery stages, ensuring solutions are practical, coordinated, and suitable for interior fit out environments.
Support the coordination of building services within commercial fit out and refurbishment projects, helping to identify and resolve design, programme, and installation challenges.
Attend project meetings with clients, consultants, designers, specialist subcontractors, and internal project teams to gain experience and provide support on building services matters.
Assist site teams in monitoring the quality, coordination, and progress of MEP installations, ensuring works are delivered in line with project requirements.
Provide technical support to project and site management teams on building services issues that arise during construction and fit out activities.
Work closely with site teams and subcontractors to ensure building services installations are effectively integrated with architectural and fit out elements.
Assist in reviewing technical submissions, shop drawings, and Requests for Information (RFIs) from specialist subcontractors before submission to clients and consultants.
Support the development and implementation of project commissioning, testing, and handover plans.
Assist with reviewing Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), quality documentation, and certification associated with MEP installations.
Work with project teams and specialist subcontractors to help develop installation, testing, and commissioning programmes that align with overall fit out project milestones.
Support the management of the commissioning process, client demonstrations, user training sessions, and final handover activities.
Assist with the production and review of operation and maintenance manuals, health and safety files, and project close-out documentation.
Contribute to post-completion activities and aftercare support, helping to ensure a smooth transition for clients into their newly completed spaces.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged for the Trainee Building Services Manager and the range of duties to be undertaken.

It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Technical Competencies

Essential

Currently studying, or planning to study, a higher or degree-level apprenticeship programme in Building Services Engineering, Architectural Engineering or related programme.
Demonstrate strong communication skills.
Strong IT skills.
Right to work in the UK.
Full UK Driving Licence.
Willing to work throughout the UK

Desirable:

An appreciation of Health & Safety practices.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Previous work experience specifically in Construction industry.
Able to demonstrate problem solving.

Behavioural Competencies

Commercial Awareness: relevant to the position applied for and understanding of why commercial awareness and business acumen are related and how these combine to meet customer needs and GRAHAM business requirements.
Leadership skills: Communicates well and shows commitment to work as part of a fully integrated team.
Effective Communication skills: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports under supervision. Able to maintain and manage communication links with a variety of stakeholders. Presents a professional image and promotes the Brand.
Customer Focus: Takes time to question and understand why customer needs are important and wants to forge ongoing sustainable links with customers to act in theirs and the businesses long term interest.
Influencing: Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving strategic business objectives.
Initiative: is able to work alone to get results in an effective way. Understands and seeks to minimise waste in resources and processes. Adopts and encourages others to adopt new ways of working. Demonstrate ability to eventually work unsupervised.
Team Player: Always willing to be involved in other activities to achieve company objectives. Works collaboratively and uses influence to gain resolution of issues. Demonstrates honestly, loyalty and commitment.

The Recruitment Process:

The closing date for applications will be January 2027
Interviews will commence in February 2027.
Successful candidates will be notified in March 2027.
All successful applicants will have joined the business by September 2027, if not before.

Technical Apprenticeship

Technical Apprenticeships are available at a number of entry points from GCSE, A Level or BTEC awards, we are currently seeking to recruit individuals hoping to transition onto a Higher-Level or Degree Level Apprenticeship, which are offered from Level 4 to Level 7.

A Higher Apprenticeship provides a structured pathway to develop your skills while earning a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in the workplace alongside dedicated study time, with all training costs fully funded. These programmes offer a clear route to professional body membership and can lead to rewarding careers.