Trainee Quantity Surveyor – Solar Renewables
Site‑Based: Exeter & Surrounding Areas
Who is MJ Quinn
MJ Quinn is an established national organisation delivering projects across the UK and Ireland. We believe in creating great connections—with our customers, our people, and our world. As we grow, our values remain at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
We are looking for a Trainee Quantity Surveyor to join our solar division, supporting the commercial delivery of solar PV projects across Exeter and the surrounding region.
This role is designed for recent graduates who are beginning their commercial career in quantity surveying. You will gain hands‑on experience on live projects, receive structured mentoring from experienced QSs, and develop core commercial skills including cost control, measurement, subcontract management, and NEC3/NEC4 contract administration.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Support
Assist in gathering data for monthly cost reports such as CVRs, forecasts, and budget updates.
Maintain trackers for budgets, commitments, payments, and variations.
Support raising purchase orders and checking invoices.
Measurement, Valuations & Payments
Carry out basic site measurements under supervision.
Help prepare applications for payment and subcontract valuations.
Assist in compiling documentation for final accounts and variations.
Change Management (NEC3/NEC4)
Help log Early Warning Notices (EWNs) and Compensation Events (CEs).
Support collection of evidence needed for quotations and contractual submissions.
Maintain clear and accurate change control records.
Subcontract & Supply Chain Administration
Assist in tender comparisons, scope collation, and preparation of award documentation.
Maintain subcontractor files including RAMS, insurances, and compliance records.
Help process subcontract payment certificates.
Reporting & Governance
Contribute to simple dashboards and commercial summaries.
Ensure documentation is accurately filed in systems such as CEMAR, Causeway, or SharePoint.
Support compliance checks and internal commercial audits.
Team Support
Provide basic updates to QSs, site managers, and project teams.
Communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative, learning‑focused team culture.
What You’ll Bring
Education: A completed Degree/HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or related discipline.
Experience: Graduate‑level; previous placements or internships are helpful but not essential.
Skills:
Strong numeracy and IT literacy (particularly Excel)
Interest in commercial management and renewable energy
Ability to organise workload and pay close attention to detail
Behavioural Attributes:
Eager to learn, proactive, dependable
Clear communicator and strong team player
Compliance: Full UK driving licence (held for at least 12 months), right to work in the UK, and DBS clearance before starting.
What’s on Offer
Hands‑on involvement in solar PV projects contributing directly to national decarbonisation goals.
Mentoring from experienced QSs
Competitive salary and benefits (insert details here).
Working Pattern: Site‑based in Exeter, with occasional travel to other sites/offices as required.
Diversity Statement
MJ Quinn’s are committed to promoting an environment that values diversity. All staff are responsible for ensuring that all employees, customers, suppliers, and visitors are treated equally and fairly and not discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnerships, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of their background, disability or gender and is committed to creating a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.