Apprentice Site Manager - SRE

A construction management apprenticeship focused on site operations and project delivery in major rail infrastructure projects, combining construction, project management, and engineering, with a primarily site-based work environment.

Kick‑start your construction management career with Octavius Infrastructure as an Apprentice Site Manager within the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE).

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands‑on experience on major rail renewal projects, learn from experienced site and project managers, and play a part in delivering one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes — all while earning, learning, and building a long‑term career.

Who We Are – and What We Value

At Octavius, our purpose is simple:
we bring people together to build safer, smarter journeys and stronger communities.

Everything we do is guided by our core values:

We Care – for each other, for our customers, and for the communities we work in.
We Do the Right Thing – safety, quality, and integrity guide our decisions.
We Deliver – we take ownership, keep our promises, and drive for better outcomes.
We Succeed Together – collaboration, respect, and shared ambition define our culture.

As an apprentice, you'll see these values in action from day one on live sites.

The Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE)

The Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) mobilised in 2024 and is accountable for delivering the Southern Region's renewals programme across CP7 and CP8, representing a £9bn programme of works.

SRE brings together the collective expertise of AtkinsRéalis, Network Rail, Octavius, VolkerFitzpatrick and VolkerRail through the Southern Integrated Delivery (SID) partnership.

Together, we plan, design and deliver renewals works that improve safety, performance and reliability for millions of rail users across London and the South East.

The SRE Apprenticeship Programme

The SRE Apprenticeship Programme is a rotational scheme designed to give you broad, real‑world exposure across the rail renewals environment.

You'll gain experience across SID disciplines including:

• Building & Civils (B&C)

• Electrification & Plant (E&P)

• Signalling

• Track

• Works Delivery

How the programme works:

• Programme duration: 3 or 5 years (depending on apprenticeship level)

• Year 1: Based in your host discipline (Building & Civils or Electrification & Plant)

• Year 2 onwards: Rotations across four additional SID disciplines (6–12 months per rotation)

Apprentices are employed by one of the SRE delivery partners (Octavius or VolkerFitzpatrick) while working as part of the integrated SRE team.

Grow Your Experience Building Communities

As an Apprentice Site Manager, you'll learn how construction sites are planned, coordinated and delivered safely and efficiently. You'll work alongside experienced Site Managers and Project Managers, gaining exposure to live rail environments and complex, high‑profile renewals projects.

With Octavius' ambition to double in size over the next four years, this is an exciting time to join a growing business with clear progression opportunities.

What You'll Receive (because we value you)

We're committed to supporting your development and wellbeing.

You'll benefit from:

• Full support through your academic qualifications

• Structured on‑the‑job training and mentoring

• A welcoming, inclusive team environment

• A clear and supported career pathway into site management

• Flexible working arrangements (where possible)

• Private healthcare

• A comprehensive benefits package — including a day off on your birthday

• Long‑term progression opportunities as SRE and Octavius continue to grow

What You'll Be Doing

As an Apprentice Site Manager, you'll support the safe and efficient delivery of works on site.

With guidance and supervision, you will:

• Support day‑to‑day site operations on live construction sites

• Assist Site Managers with coordinating site activities and logistics

• Help supervise subcontractors and monitor quality of work

• Complete daily site administration, including health, safety and environmental records

• Support progress tracking, reporting and record keeping

• Learn programming and preparation of works alongside the Project Manager

• Communicate with supply chain partners to ensure standards are met

• Promote a strong safety culture where everyone goes home safe every day

• Take on increasing responsibility as your confidence and competence grow

Travel and occasional short periods away from home may be required.

Who You'll Work With

You'll be part of a collaborative, supportive site team and work closely with:

• Site Managers and Project Managers

• Engineers and Works Delivery teams

• Planners, Commercial and HSEQ teams

• Supply chain partners

• Local communities and stakeholders

Teamwork, respect and shared success are central to how we work.

About You

We're looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals who want to build a career in site management.

You will:

• Have achieved GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths and English

• Have (or be working towards) the UCAS points required for a Degree Level Apprenticeship

• Be organised, proactive and keen to learn

• Communicate confidently and work well with others

• Take pride in your work and attention to detail

• Be comfortable working on site and in a fast‑paced environment

You'll bring:

• A strong interest in construction, infrastructure or site management

• A positive, can‑do attitude

• Good problem‑solving skills

• Willingness to learn and develop professionally

• A full UK driving licence (preferred due to site locations)

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.