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- Tasks: Join us as an Operations Management Trainee, optimising daily operations and driving improvements.
- Company: Laing O'Rourke is a leader in construction and engineering, committed to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fully funded apprenticeship, hands-on experience, and bespoke training modules.
- Other info: The apprenticeship starts in September 2025, offering a unique blend of work and study.
- Why this job: Gain diverse operational skills while contributing to impactful projects in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have 3 A Levels, preferably in Maths or a Science subject.
We are looking for bright and motivated school leavers who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the construction and engineering industry.
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 business's 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
Apprenticeship Level and Standard: Chartered manager (degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Entry Grades: Applicants must have either: 3 A Levels preferably including Math's or a Science Subject
Key Deliverables and Accountabilities:
- 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 to 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.
- 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 redesign.
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 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.
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.
Contact Detail:
Laing O'Rourke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2025 Professional Apprentice - Operations Management Trainee (5530)
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Select Plant Hire business and its operations thoroughly. Understanding their processes and challenges will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during interviews, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former apprentices from Laing O'Rourke. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to impress during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and examples of how you've optimised processes in past experiences. This role focuses on continuous improvement, so showcasing relevant examples will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to express your willingness to learn and adapt. The role involves rotation through different departments, so highlighting your flexibility and eagerness to gain diverse operational skills will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace 2025 Professional Apprentice - Operations Management Trainee (5530)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Operations Management Trainee position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasise your A Levels, particularly in Maths or Science, as these are key entry requirements. Include any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your analytical and operational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the construction industry. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving abilities and willingness to learn and adapt within different departments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in operations management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Laing O'Rourke and their operations. Understand their values, recent projects, and how they aim to transform the construction and engineering industry. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Think of examples from school projects or part-time jobs where you demonstrated these skills.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As an apprentice, your willingness to learn is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to develop your operational skills and knowledge during the apprenticeship. Highlight any relevant coursework or experiences that demonstrate your eagerness to grow.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the training modules, opportunities for rotation through departments, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your proactive attitude and interest in the position.