LABC - Trainee Building Inspector in Southend-on-Sea

Your New Organisation Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance.

As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role Looking for an opportunity to earn while you learn and gain the qualifications needed to start a successful career in the construction industry? Having already recruited and trained 200 people, LABC, the organisation that represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales, is recruiting additional building control trainees to join their LABC Academy, starting in September 2026. The LABC Academy Programme is a two‑year fully funded programme that provides the opportunity to gain level 4 and level 5 diplomas in building control surveying whilst getting on‑the‑job experience with a local authority building control department.

Throughout the programme you’ll learn a competitive salary and on completion you’ll have the skills, qualifications and experience required to become a Registered Building Inspector as well as the opportunity to progress to become a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor or Building Engineer. Successful candidates will be employed by LABC and based in a local authority close to you to allow you to gain practical experience.

What you'll need to succeed We’re seeking technically minded candidates who like problem solving, are keen to learn and are looking to build a real career in the construction industry.

• Minimum 3 A levels at grade C or higher (or equivalent - 80 UCAS points)
• Demonstrable experience in a relevant or related discipline for example but not limited to construction, ex‑military, fire etc.
• A qualification at level 3 S/NVQ in construction or a related discipline

What you’ll get in return When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. Any Successful candidate will be employed by LABC. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.