Apprentice Cost Manager - Elevate

Ridge is offering an Autumn 2026 degree apprenticeship programme for Apprentice Cost Managers in Winchester, where candidates gain hands-on experience in quantity surveying, construction cost management, client coordination, and project delivery while earning a funded degree.

Your opportunity

If you’re ready to launch a meaningful career in the built environment, applications are now open for an Apprentice Cost Manager to join our Autumn 2026 Elevate degree apprenticeship programme. You will be part of our dynamic and collaborative team of Quantity Surveyors at the Winchester office, working together to achieve team success in the delivery of a variety of projects across multiple sectors.

What will I do?

As an Apprentice Cost Manager within Ridge, you will work closely alongside experienced Cost Managers / Quantity Surveyors who are typically involved in the following:

• Assist with the day-to-day delivery of construction projects.

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors.

• Prepare cost estimates and evaluate the cost of building designs and alternative proposals.

• Assist with the preparation, issue, evaluation, and reporting of tenders.

• Attend and actively participate in client and contractor meetings.

• Advise on contract terms and prepare building contract documentation.

• Agree on monthly valuations and prepare monthly cost reports.

• Value and agree on post-contract variations.

• Assist in the preparation and agreement of final accounts.

• Develop skills to provide a single point of contact, taking responsibility for all aspects of a project.

• Visit construction sites to gain a better understanding of construction technology and assess contractor applications for payment.

As part of our ELEVATE degree apprenticeship programme you benefit from a permanent contract and salary while you work towards a degree that we fund. Your first two years with us follows a structured programme giving you the perfect blend of education, hands-on experience and professional development.

What do I need to succeed?

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll play an integral part in our team, helping drive our vision, living our values and embracing our culture. So, if your answer is yes to all the following statements, we’d love to hear from you:

• I meet the educational entry criteria set by the apprenticeship provider. See the table below.

• I will be 18+ when my apprenticeship starts in September 2026

• I’m able to start work full time from 7 September 2026

• I have a permanent Right to Work in the UK and do not need visa sponsorship

• I am willing and able to regularly attend my home office in person and travel to a training provider on a weekly basis

• I am curious and eager to learn

• I am passionate about the Built Environment — don’t take this one lightly! We love what we do and the Built Environment plays a vital role in the future of communities and society. It’s important we all share that passion so we can build legacies that last.

Entry requirements:

• A Levels BCC (any subjects)

• OR

• Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile is obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile is obtained.

• AND

• 5 GCSEs C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

About us

We are Ridge, a Built Environment Consultancy. We help our clients transform the quality and sustainability of the built environment.

Our 1,400+ people bring a vast range of skills, delivering a professional mindset, gritty discipline and a genuine passion to every one of the thousands of projects they undertake each year. They’re the foundation of our success - they drive our vision, embody our values and separate us from the competition.

Come and join us if you’re hungry to be part of an exceptional team - if you put quality first - if you’re motivated by ingenuity and if you’re always aspiring to be the very best.