Apprentice - Commercial (Stations)

2026 – L4 Construction QSHS2’s apprenticeship programmes are designed to combine hands‑on practical learning with structured technical development through selected training providers. Apprentices will learn directly from industry experts, gaining real‑world experience while applying their knowledge in the workplace. Throughout the apprenticeship programme at HS2, apprentices also benefit from additional development opportunities, including a core skill development pathway and an extensive support network, enabling professional growth and building the confidence needed to succeed.

As a Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprentice at HS2 you will learn and develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage commercial contracts at HS2, providing assurance ensuring value for money, protecting public funds and supporting effective delivery, whilst complying with relevant standards, funding rules and accountability requirements. The Apprenticeship Programme involves hands‑on experience working within the Commercial delivery Teams at HS2 Ltd whilst studying towards an internationally recognised Level 4 Diploma in Quantity Surveying.

This year we have two x Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician apprenticeship opportunities available working within the HS2 Commercial Delivery Teams in London and Birmingham. Both roles will require regular travel to various site locations along the HS2 route. Travel offsite would be funded by HS2.

Successful Apprentices will join the HS2 programme in September 2026 for an induction and to meet their fellow early careers cohort. They will then undertake a range of placements across relevant teams to ensure they are able to meet the requirements of their apprenticeship standard, whilst gaining hands‑on experience in the workplace, providing them with the skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in their chosen discipline area.

Accountabilities

• Assist in the measurement and valuation of construction works, supporting cost planning, cost control, and financial reporting across the HS2 project.
• Assist in the procurement of relevant works and services, including preparation of tender documentation, tender evaluation support and ensuring compliance with relevant procurement regulations and governance processes.
• Support the administration and management of commercial contracts, including change control variations / compensation events, payment reviews and maintaining accurate commercial records.
• Support the assessment and management of commercial and financial risks, updating risk registers and supporting value management activities.
• Help prepare commercial reports for project teams, senior stakeholders and governance bodies, ensuring relevant and accurate data and information is provided.
• Liaise with project stakeholders to enable effective project delivery.
• Maintain accurate, transparent and auditable records in line with HS2 governance and assurance requirements.
• Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.

Expectations

• Attendance and engagement at apprenticeship training with apprenticeship provider.
• Attendance and engagement at core skills workshops and development sessions.
• Complete all work on time and to required standards.
• Complete all required off the job training, assessments and professional development in line with the level 4 apprenticeship standard.
• Complete the Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician apprenticeship programme within the defined timeframe.

Skills

• Communication Skills: The ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders at various levels within an organisation.
• Collaborative Working: The ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes.
• Interpersonal and relationship skills: The ability to build good working relationships with internal and external colleagues and contacts.
• Prioritisation Skills: The ability to organise workloads and deliver activities/projects in a timely manner, ensuring quality outputs.
• Ability to follow process: working to a process to achieve an outcome and/or identify improvements to existing processes.
• Analytical skills: Ability to access, analyse and maintain information from multiple IT databases and systems, including report writing.

Knowledge

• IT skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalent.

Type Of Experience

To join us on an Apprenticeship Programme, along with an interest in pursuing a career in the built environment through Infrastructure and Construction you’ll need to have achieved or expect to achieve 5 GCSEs at grade 4 minimum, including English and Maths, or equivalent.

Behavioural Competencies

The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with HS2 company values.

Our Apprenticeship Programme Salaries

Salaries are currently pending pay review; however please see the figures below based on 2025 year one apprentice salaries:

• London locations (inside M25): Level 4/Year 1 – basic salary of £21,542 plus 10% flexible allowance = £23,696.
• Non-London Locations: Level 4/Year 1 – basic salary of £20,133 plus 10% flexible allowance = £22,146.

Does HS2 offer sponsorship if I do not have the Right to Work in the UK?

To be eligible to apply for HS2’s 2026 Apprenticeship programmes, all applicants will need to already hold the ongoing Right to Work in the UK, that is not timebound in any way. Please note, unfortunately due to the 2‑year time‑bound restrictions of the Post Study Work visa, we are unable to accept any applicants who have this visa as the apprenticeship programme exceeds this timeframe. Due to the nature of the organisation, HS2 are not able to sponsor any applications for sponsorship as we do not hold the required sponsorship license from the UK Home Office and candidates are not allowed to sponsor themselves.

We appreciate the Right to Work question can be complex to understand, so if you are unsure of your Right to Work status in the UK, please email us at HS2Jobs@hs2.org.uk and we will be happy to advise further. Please note, to enable HS2 to comply with UK Home Office policy, your Right to Work status will be checked early in the recruitment process.

About Us

High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK’s new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain’s major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff - living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership.

In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. HS2 Ltd is also a safety‑critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our ‘Safe at Heart’ programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.