Role: Quantity Surveyor Apprentice - Highlands (Scotland)
Start date: September 2026
Additional information:
- Site and office-based role
- Based in Highlands/Alness to Wick and Glasgow for the duration of 2-year programme
- Block release at the University of Highlands and Islands
About Us
Murphy is a leading international, multi-disciplined engineering and construction company founded in 1951 that improves life by delivering world-class infrastructure. Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America, Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, power and natural resources. We also have a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Murphy Plant; Murphy Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services; and Electrical Services. Murphy employs more than 4,300 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world. Together, we work as ‘One Murphy’ by directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success. There’s more to Murphy.
Project
The Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) upgrade framework includes a programme of overhead lines, underground cables and substations in order to redevelop the transmission network in the north of Scotland between now and 2030.
The allocation of work for Murphy includes the design and construction of two new 400kv substations in Spittal and Loch Buidhe and the delivery of 85km of Overhead Line (OHL). Additionally, the conceptual design phase of our design contract was pivotal in supporting SSEN’s Planning Consent submission to the Scottish Government.
Our contributions in this framework are integral to SSEN’s broader Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) Pathway to 2030 programme, which aims to bolster green energy production, enhance our national network resilience, and upgrade the transmission infrastructure by the end of the decade.
Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship Programme
Murphy are recruiting apprentice Quantity Surveyors with strong aspirations to build a career within the civil engineering & construction sector. With positions based in various locations across the UK, we are looking for highly driven individuals with a keen eye for detail and willingness to learn & develop in a fast-paced environment.
Working in this role you will learn how to manage all costs relating to construction and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. You will learn how to optimise the cost of a project and enhance value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality. Your responsibilities will increase throughout the duration of the apprenticeship programme as your skills and technical knowledge develop. You will be supported throughout by your assigned workplace mentor, in conjunction with your university apprenticeship tutor, to ensure you gain the right mix of skills and experience to successfully complete your apprenticeship.
What qualification will I receive through the apprenticeship?
As part of this apprenticeship, dependent on the qualifications you have already obtained, you will follow either a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship with one of our partner universities.
Where will I be based on the apprenticeship?
The position is based in North Scotland (Inverness) with work predominantly across the Highlands/Alness to Wick for the duration of the programme. Due to the remote locations of some of our sites, applicants must be willing to travel as required. Full UK driving licence is required.
What do I need to be considered for the apprenticeship?
For entry onto the Modern apprenticeship you must have attained the following:
- National 5 Maths & English at grade A-C
- National Certificate in Built Environment, or Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering, or National Certificate in Civil Engineering, or One Higher
You will be considered for entry onto the Graduate apprenticeship if you have also attained or will have attained by September 25, one of the following
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above OR
- NC Built Environment; Foundation Apprenticeship Civil Engineering
You don’t need to have previous experience for the role, but you do need to be ready to learn, have a positive mindset and a can-do attitude!
Eligible to work in the UK with a valid work permit if applicable. Please note, that we do not provide sponsorship.
Above all, we need people who will adopt our values and strive to live them:
- One Family, One Team, One Murphy
- Always Deliver
- Respect, Integrity & Accountability
- Never Harm
- Continually Improve
What you’ll get in return
- Dedicated and continued investment in your professional development.
- Murphy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture, making Murphy a great place to work where we can all thrive. You can get involved in numerous events and even join our committee dedicated to continuously nurturing Murphy’s inclusive culture.
- 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays with the option to buy an additional 2 days holiday each year, holidays increase with length of service
- Charity is at the heart of Murphy values; you will receive 2 days leave per year to donate your time to a charity of your choosing. Many teams choose to support a charity together to positively impact our communities.
- Discretionary annual bonus and annual salary review
- Above market rate contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance, health screening and enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay and a maternity returners bonus
- Extra weeks holiday for all employees getting married and a wedding bonus
- Subsidised canteen facilities in core locations
- Other Murphy benefits include retail discounts and cashback, discounted gym memberships, cycle to work scheme etc
- Access to Murphy Wellbeing: you will have access to a host of online tools, mental health trained colleagues, and if needs be external professional support because we understand that work and life offers challenges that sometimes need a little extra support.
Our Recruitment Process
Our recruitment process consists of three stages:
- Application including a CV
- Online interactive exercise (Graduate apprenticeship only)
It’s important to us that everybody has an equal chance to succeed, therefore if you'd like to discuss any reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process, please feel free to get in touch at [email protected].
Please note: Should we receive a high volume of suitable applications we may choose to close our opportunities early. Therefore, to avoid missing out, we do recommend you submit your application asap.
Murphy is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
