Apprentice Site Manager - SRE

Apprentice Site Manager - SRE

Apprenticeship 18500 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support site operations and learn from experienced managers on major rail projects.
  • Company: Join Octavius Infrastructure, a leader in construction and infrastructure.
  • Benefits: Earn while you learn, with private healthcare and a day off on your birthday.
  • Why this job: Kick-start your career in site management with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: GCSE Grade 4+ in Maths and English; enthusiasm for construction.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment with a clear career pathway and support for your development.

The predicted salary is between 18500 - 25000 £ per year.

Location: London and the South East

Start Date: September 2026

Kick‑start your construction management career with Octavius Infrastructure as an Apprentice Site Manager within the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE). This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands‑on experience on major rail renewal projects, learn from experienced site and project managers, and play a part in delivering one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes — all while earning, learning, and building a long‑term career.

Who We Are – And What We Value

At Octavius, our purpose is simple: we bring people together to build safer, smarter journeys and stronger communities. Everything We Do Is Guided By Our Core Values:

  • We Care – for each other, for our customers, and for the communities we work in.
  • We Do the Right Thing – safety, quality, and integrity guide our decisions.
  • We Deliver – we take ownership, keep our promises, and drive for better outcomes.
  • We Succeed Together – collaboration, respect, and shared ambition define our culture.

As an apprentice, you'll see these values in action from day one on live sites.

The Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE)

The Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) mobilised in 2024 and is accountable for delivering the Southern Region's renewals programme across CP7 and CP8, representing a £9bn programme of works. SRE brings together the collective expertise of AtkinsRéalis, Network Rail, Octavius, VolkerFitzpatrick and VolkerRail through the Southern Integrated Delivery (SID) partnership. Together, we plan, design and deliver renewals works that improve safety, performance and reliability for millions of rail users across London and the South East.

The SRE Apprenticeship Programme

The SRE Apprenticeship Programme is a rotational scheme designed to give you broad, real‑world exposure across the rail renewals environment.

You’ll Gain Experience Across SID Disciplines Including:

  • Building & Civils (B&C)
  • Electrification & Plant (E&P)
  • Signalling
  • Track Works Delivery

How The Programme Works

Programme duration: 3 or 5 years (depending on apprenticeship level)

  • Year 1: Based in your host discipline (Building & Civils or Electrification & Plant)
  • Year 2 onwards: Rotations across four additional SID disciplines (6–12 months per rotation)

Apprentices are employed by one of the SRE delivery partners (Octavius or VolkerFitzpatrick) while working as part of the integrated SRE team.

What You’ll Receive

  • Full support through your academic qualifications
  • Structured on‑the‑job training and mentoring
  • A welcoming, inclusive team environment
  • A clear and supported career pathway into site management
  • Flexible working arrangements (where possible)
  • Private healthcare
  • A comprehensive benefits package — including a day off on your birthday
  • Long‑term progression opportunities as SRE and Octavius continue to grow

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Support day‑to‑day site operations on live construction sites
  • Assist Site Managers with coordinating site activities and logistics
  • Help supervise subcontractors and monitor quality of work
  • Complete daily site administration, including health, safety and environmental records
  • Support progress tracking, reporting and record keeping
  • Learn programming and preparation of works alongside the Project Manager
  • Communicate with supply chain partners to ensure standards are met
  • Promote a strong safety culture where everyone goes home safe every day
  • Take on increasing responsibility as your confidence and competence grow

Travel and occasional short periods away from home may be required.

Who You’ll Work With

  • Site Managers and Project Managers
  • Engineers and Works Delivery teams
  • Planners, Commercial and HSEQ teams
  • Supply chain partners
  • Local communities and stakeholders

About You

We're looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals who want to build a career in site management.

You Will:

  • Have achieved GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths and English
  • Have (or be working towards) the UCAS points required for a Degree Level Apprenticeship
  • Be organised, proactive and keen to learn
  • Communicate confidently and work well with others
  • Take pride in your work and attention to detail
  • Be comfortable working on site and in a fast‑paced environment

You’ll Bring:

  • A strong interest in construction, infrastructure or site management
  • A positive, can‑do attitude
  • Good problem‑solving skills
  • Willingness to learn and develop professionally
  • A full UK driving licence (preferred due to site locations)

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.

Apprentice Site Manager - SRE employer: Octavius Infrastructure

At Octavius Infrastructure, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth. As an Apprentice Site Manager in London and the South East, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience in major rail renewal projects while receiving comprehensive support for your academic qualifications and career progression. With a strong commitment to safety, integrity, and community, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to succeed together.
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Contact Detail:

Octavius Infrastructure Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Apprentice Site Manager - SRE

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show genuine interest in their work and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their values. Remember, they want to see your passion for construction management!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the role of an Apprentice Site Manager.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Octavius Infrastructure.

We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Site Manager - SRE

Site Operations Support
Coordination of Site Activities
Logistics Management
Supervision of Subcontractors
Quality Monitoring
Health, Safety and Environmental Record Keeping
Progress Tracking
Communication with Supply Chain Partners
Safety Culture Promotion
Organisational Skills
Proactive Attitude
Problem-Solving Skills
Interest in Construction and Infrastructure
Teamwork and Collaboration
Willingness to Learn

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Construction: Let us see your enthusiasm for the construction industry! In your application, mention any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in site management. We love to hear about what drives you!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight how your background aligns with our core values like teamwork and integrity. It shows us you’ve done your homework!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Octavius Infrastructure

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of site management and the specific projects that Octavius is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their core values and how they apply to the role of an Apprentice Site Manager. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your answers to what they value.

✨Show Your Enthusiasm

Let your passion for construction and site management shine through during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in, even if they're from school or personal projects. A positive attitude and eagerness to learn can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Ask Smart Questions

Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training process, the types of projects you'll be working on, or how the team collaborates on-site. It shows you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team.

✨Practice Makes Perfect

Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to practice your responses. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. This will help you feel more comfortable during the actual interview and allow you to present your best self.

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