Management Trainee - Barnes Construction

The Company:
Barnes Construction is the largest division of The Barnes Group Limited and offers a comprehensive professional construction service. Since the Company was formed in 1978, we have established ourselves as a client-focused building contractor, completing various projects for blue chip and repeat business clients. Whilst our Head Office is based in Ipswich, we operate throughout the UK on a wide range of projects. 

Are you an ambitious individual ready to embark on an exciting, fulfilling career in the construction industry? 

Our Trainee programme offers on the job training alongside a fully funded degree course at university. 

Trainee programme:
Our Trainee programme has been in place for over 45 years, successfully developing the managers of our business. Over 50% of our current Head Office staff have come through the training scheme, including four current Directors.

Our Trainees will attend university, currently ARU Chelmsford, on a day release basis to study for a BSc (Hons) degree in Construction Management. All fees will be paid for by the business.

Six monthly progress reviews with a senior manager/director will provide valuable opportunities to discuss progress and learn from industry experts.   

Upon completion of the programme, which usually takes approximately 4 years, the Management Trainee will progress to the next tier of management in one of our departments. 

Department rotation:
In construction, there are a wide variety of office and site-based managerial positions, specialising in technical and/or commercial aspects of the built environment.

Our Trainees will be able to develop all round knowledge, skills and abilities by spending time in the following departments of the business:

• Bid Management
• Design Management
• Estimating
• Planning
• Project Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Site Management

Mentors:
In each department, the Management Trainee will work under the supervision of a designated training mentor who will share their expertise in various construction disciplines. Many of our staff started their career in the construction industry through our Trainee programme, so they can guide and support Trainees with a greater understanding of the Trainee programme itself and what is required to become a successful construction professional.

Reporting to: Chief Surveyor, Divisional Surveying Director   

Location: Barnes Construction Ipswich Head Office / Site

Contract type: Full time, Permanent

Immediate colleagues: Mentor

Interfaces with other departments: All staff in the Company

Personal attributes/skills required:

• Strong GCSE results and either have or expect to achieve good A level results or equivalent vocational qualifications. 
• Prior experience of the construction industry is not required as full training will be provided.
• Ability to work as part of a team and build a good working relationship with office/site-based colleagues, clients and external workers to achieve a common goal.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• A commitment to develop leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• Flexible approach to meet the business needs.
• Ability to work under pressure and effectively manage changing priorities to meet tight deadlines.

The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK and full driving licence.  

The closing date: 24th April 2026

Benefits: The Company actively encourages continued training and offers realistic long-term career opportunities throughout the Group. The Trainee programme reflects this ethos and offers progression through a defined career route with a competitive salary.  Other benefits include contributory pension, profit based discretionary bonus, internal Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programme.

If you are interested in the above position, applications should, in the first instance, be made in writing enclosing current CV marked “For the attention of Mr S Severwright, Divisional Surveying Director” to the address below or by e-mail to: recruitment@barnesconstruction.co.uk.

Mr S Severwright
Divisional Surveying Director  
Barnes Construction
6 Bermuda Road
Ransomes Europark
Ipswich
Suffolk IP3 9RU

All applicants will be treated in the strictest confidence. The Barnes Group Limited is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and safer recruitment practices. We undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate.

Note: Only applications made in writing or sent direct to recruitment@barnesconstruction.co.uk will be accepted.