JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way
Our people at JLL and JLL Technologies are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world‑class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
What this job involves
Our graduate programme will provide you with first‑hand experience while working towards a professional qualification. You’ll join us on a 24‑month trainee programme, working towards completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a Chartered Building Surveyor. This graduate position can be based from either our Glasgow or Edinburgh office.
What your day‑to‑day will look like
- Visiting sites to complete Building Surveyor\'s inspections
- Completing desktop survey research about sites
- Preparing reports following inspections to outline the state of the property/site
- Acting as a Contract Administrator and Employer’s Agent on fit‑out and refurbishment contracts
- Negotiating schedules of dilapidations and preparing exit strategies for required repair work
- Helping with planning preventative maintenance plans
- Assisting with the co‑ordination of portfolio instructions and undertaking other duties from time to time as may be reasonably required
- Keeping your knowledge up to date with building and sustainability standards, legal knowledge, and building pathology
What you’ll get from us
We know that your unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation and succeed together. At JLL, we want everyone to feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential. Here are some of the ways we’ll make that happen.
- Support from us – The Early Careers team will be with you every step of the way during your programme. Your manager and team will also be there to guide you day‑to‑day. You’ll also be able to share your views and drive change through our Early Careers committee.
- Support from your buddy – You’ll be paired with a peer on a similar pathway to you who will be there to answer any questions and guide you.
- Training opportunities for everyone – No matter your experience or role, both our Early Careers and Learning teams will provide you with lots of ways to improve and develop your skills, from managing stakeholders and clients to report and pitch writing.
- Surveying qualification support – You’ll take part in various workshops to build your knowledge and skills for your Chartership assessment. You will be designated a mentor who will support you throughout the programme.
- Dress for your day – Each day will be different, so we trust you to dress according to what you’re doing. For example, if you’re meeting clients then it’s important to dress smartly to reflect the great work we do, and we encourage you to dress more casually when you don’t.
- Competitive salary – As an accredited Living Wage employer, we are committed to paying you a wage that is fair and competitive to the industry we work in.
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays each year – We encourage you to take breaks from work and hope you use this time to recharge regularly throughout the year.
- 2 paid volunteer days each year – We feel it’s important to give back to the communities around us. JLL sets up events with specific charities and organisations which you can get involved with, such as our work with schools. Or you can use your days to support a charity or local organisation of your choice.
- Wide range of employee benefits – You can take advantage of them, which include well‑being support and resources, exclusive discounts, pension, private medical healthcare, dental insurance, employee assistance programme, season ticket loan, cycle‑to‑work scheme, mortgage advice, and more.
Required Skills and Experience
- GCSEs – C / 4 grade or above in English and Maths (or equivalent)
- Degree – Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Building Surveying that is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- An interest in the property industry and how we can shape its future
- Confidence in communicating verbally and in written format to help with writing reports
- Project management skills, so you can balance lots of work and ensure work is followed through to the end and completed on time
- Some travel will be required in this role, so please consider your ability to travel
- A curious mindset so you can learn and grow with us
- A passion to contribute your thoughts, create fresh ideas, and challenge yourself to do more than you think you could
Right to work in the UK
- You will need to have permanent right to work in the UK, with no time restrictions or limited working hours. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas, including Graduate Visas beyond the programme.
If you want to kick start a career where your work is valued, your passion is shared, and your development is supported, then join JLL.
Estimated compensation for this position is: £28,000
The salary listed is an estimate and not guaranteed. A salary offer will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, internal equity and alignment with market data.
Location: Glasgow or Edinburgh
Job Tags: #UKearlycareers
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Surveying Graduate - Edinburgh or Glasgow (September 2026 Start Date)
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from JLL who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at JLL!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to JLL. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at JLL
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at JLL.