Degree Level Apprentice (Level 6) - Quantity Surveyor

Company:  COLAS RAIL URBAN
Location:  Birmingham
Country:  United Kingdom
Type of Contract:  Permanent
Publication Date:  12 Feb 2026

Make your mark with Colas Rail UK 

At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. At Colas Rail you'll be at home. You'll be welcomed into an inclusive team where there's a role for every talent and a close-knit, familial culture. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different. 

 

This is true because...

  • We value everyone as part of the same team.
  • We treat everyone as equals - and everyone is approachable, from the CEO down. 
  • We put you in control of your career to lead and grow in any way you want. 
  • We have a culture of care, from safe working environments to diversity and inclusion. 
  • We're renowned for innovation, adopting new ideas, and daring to be different. 
  • We are building a more sustainable future and our projects impact infrastructure for generations. 

 

About Us 

Step into the world of Colas Rail, where a century of expertise merges with a daring spirit to shape the future of rail infrastructure. 

At Colas Rail, we deliver transport solutions for sustainable mobility. We are a leading rail infrastructure business with on track plant and freight capabilities. As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, we are part of over a hundred years' experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built, designed, or maintained by Colas Rail. 

 

Leading by our Values

Our values, Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing are at the heart of everything we do. These values feed into our main strategies and accompany us daily in realising our ambitions. 

We Respect our employees, celebrate diversity and foster a culture of safety, care and respect for everyone we interact with. We care about our employee’s wellbeing and create an environment of inclusivity and support.

We Commit by showing up wholeheartedly. When we commit together, we invest in everyone’s success. We invest in our customers, our teams and our colleagues, and we lead with safety, integrity, passion, purpose, ethics and transparency.

We Share as we all hold knowledge that could and should be shared, enabling us to grow and making us a strong collective. We have a passion for excellence, celebrating achievements and nurturing talent. 

We Pioneer to push boundaries, imagine what does not yet exist and dare to do what others do not. We innovate with ambition, and we find solutions.

Even if you don't meet every requirement, please don't rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply if your skills, values, and experience align to the role.

Purpose of the Role

 

The finance and commercial team provide the commercial and finance functions to support their division. This includes finance, commercial, contract/legal matters and budget control and reporting.The Assistant Quantity Surveyor will support projects and the programme with commercial aspects.
The Assistant Quantity Surveyor will attend training as required for their role throughout the duration of their apprenticeship.

Person Specification

 

  • You have completed your required qualifications by July 2026
  • You are able to drive or will have completed your driving test by August 2026
  • You will be able to collaborate as part of a team
  • You are able to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Be comfortable with working nights and weekends
  • You show an interest and drive to be part of the Rail Industry and Colas Rail
  • You can work independently and in a team, using your own initiative to deliver excellent results

Key Responsibilities

 

  • Specific objectives and deliverables will be agreed as part of your annual performance and development review (PDR) process and will align to the requirements of your Degree Apprenticeship, the points below are a summary of your main duties and responsibilities.
  • Assisting the Commercial Manager and Senior Quantity Surveyors to prepare estimates, cost plans, bills of quantities, specifications and schedule of rates for construction work.
  • Assisting the Commercial Manager and Senior Quantity Surveyors with interim and final accounts with contractors, suppliers and consultants including the resolution of contractual claims and settlement of contracts.
  • Assisting the Commercial Manager and Senior Quantity Surveyors to undertake financial checks and maintain financial controls and monitor costs of schemes against budget.
  • Assisting the Commercial Manager and Senior Quantity Surveyors carry out regular reviews of all schedules of rates to ensure their continued relevance and produce trend information on usage of rates.
  • Assisting the Commercial Manager and Senior Quantity Surveyors undertake analysis of the performance of suppliers and contractors during the contract stage and following contract completion. Check compliance with contract terms and conditions and legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Support the performance management framework and monitor the status of relevant performance measures in relation to financial management.
  • Attend any pre-contract, progress and other related meetings relating to the delivery of projects.
  • Assisting to prepare, profile, monitor and manage budgets for all construction related activities.
  • Understand and evaluate construction legislation and various forms of contract used in a project
  • Manage health and safety issues in your area of responsibility in line with the relevant section(s) of the relevant Health and Safety Policies
  • Comply with confidentiality and information security policies at all times.
  • As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.  
  • Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.

What We Offer

 

•    Competitive Salary
•    26 days Annual Leave
•    Industry leading Life Assurance
•    Healthcare Cash Plan
•    Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
•    Pension Scheme
•    Eye Care Vouchers
•    Long Service Award
•    Season Ticket Loan

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail. 

We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process. 

As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.

We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements. 

On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.

Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.

Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.