Quantity Surveying - Placement

At Tilbury Douglas, you won't just be taking a year out from university – you’ll be helping to deliver projects that make a real difference to people and communities.

At Tilbury Douglas, you won't just be taking a year out from university – you’ll be helping to deliver projects that make a real difference to people and communities.

Our Year Out Placement gives you the opportunity to put your Quantity Surveying studies into practice while gaining substantial commercial experience on live construction projects.

As a Year Out Quantity Surveyor
, you’ll work alongside experienced commercial professionals, developing your understanding of cost management, procurement, contracts and commercial decision-making.

You'll make a real contribution to the project team, building the practical knowledge, confidence and professional relationships that will support your final year of study and future career.

This is a site-based role, located in Devon, within our Infrastructure team in the South West region
.

You will need flexibility to travel across project sites in the region as part of your placement.

As a Year Out Quantity Surveyor, you'll develop your skills and gain the commercial experience you need before returning to university for your final year.

No two days are the same and, with the support of experienced colleagues, you'll:

• Assist with the day-to-day commercial management of construction projects.
• Support the preparation of cost estimates, budgets, forecasts and commercial reports.
• Assist with the procurement of subcontractors and suppliers, including preparing enquiries and reviewing quotations.
• Develop your understanding of subcontract packages and the commercial processes involved in appointing and managing the supply chain.
• Assist with the preparation, review and assessment of subcontractor valuations and payments.
• Help monitor project costs against budgets and understand how financial performance is managed.
• Support the identification, assessment and management of variations and changes.
• Develop your understanding of construction contracts and how contractual requirements influence project delivery.
• Assist with maintaining accurate commercial records and project documentation.
• Attend commercial, project and progress meetings, contributing as your knowledge develops.
• Develop your understanding of commercial risk and opportunity, and how these are managed throughout a project.
• Work collaboratively with operational, design and engineering teams to understand how project decisions influence cost and commercial performance.
• Gain experience using the digital systems and tools that support commercial management.
• Build strong working relationships with project teams, clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Take on increasing responsibility for commercial activities as your skills, knowledge and confidence develop.

This isn't just about numbers – it's about understanding how commercial decisions influence every stage of a construction project.

Over the course of your placement, you'll gain meaningful experience in procurement, cost management, valuations, contracts, variations and commercial reporting. You'll see how Quantity Surveyors work with project teams and the supply chain to manage risk, control costs and deliver value.

A full year gives you the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the commercial lifecycle of a project, build meaningful professional relationships and take on increasing responsibility as your capabilities develop.

You'll return to university with practical commercial experience, greater confidence and a stronger understanding of what a career in Quantity Surveying involves.