2026 Design Manager Apprenticeship

2026 - Design Manager Apprenticeship 

 

We're looking for bright and motivated school leavers who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the construction and engineering industry.     

Role Overview   

The Apprentice Design Manager assists the Design Manager in reviewing design information to ensure that it is in line with the design management procedures for completeness and compliance with contractual obligations.  This includes factors such as client requirements, health and safety, sustainability, buildability, technical compliance, programme, and maintenance.  The Trainee Design Technician is a member of the Technical Function, which is there to ensure technical excellence, assurance and performance across all projects and opportunities from work winning and early engagement through to detailed delivery and post occupation. The role is aligned with our overall strategy to maximise DfMA, Digital Engineering, and Early Engagement.  

 

Key Deliverables and Accountabilities of an Apprentice Design Manager 

 Appreciates how continuous improvement of design management benefits LOR and can assist in the execution of continuous improvement activities under supervision. 

• Requires supervision and guidance when applying LOR's Strategy for Design on projects. 

• Is aware and understand the LOR's approach to the identification, evaluation, and selection of potential designers based on their qualifications, capability, capacity, and experience. 

• Is aware and understands the importance of managing design requirements and understands the basic principles of establishing and tracking design requirements. 

• Supporting the Lead Designer in agreeing the coordinated design programme and dependencies, then reporting against the plan.  Appreciates how design planning, reporting and review are applied in practice. 

• Understands the basic principles of a successful design programme. 

• Is aware and understands he importance and basic principles of design optimisation  

• Assists in ensuring statutory compliance and external assurance under supervision. 

• Assists in coordinating with construction teams under supervision, ensuring design intent is met. 

• Assists in coordinating with handover teams under supervision, ensuring design intent is met. 

• Demonstrates a natural desire to explore, ask questions, and dig deeper into the world around us.  

• Is open-minded and receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities, while also being willing to challenge existing beliefs or assumptions 

• Demonstrates the ability to break down complex information, situations, or problems into smaller, more manageable parts to understand their structure, components, and relationships. 

• Takes ownership of one's actions, decisions, and behaviours, and is accountable for their outcomes. 

• Demonstrates the ability to convey information effectively, both in speaking and writing, as well as active listening, questioning, understanding and interpreting others' messages to build connections, solve problems, and achieve shared goals. 

 

Locations    

As a project-led business, the location of our work can vary depending on project needs. This role may require you to be prepared to work away from home at project sites across the UK.    

 

Apprenticeship Level and Standard  

Construction design and build technician Level 4 and then move on to Design and construction management (degree)   

 

Apprenticeship Provider   

Laing O'Rourke collaborate with a trusted and approved training providers for our apprenticeship delivery.  Successful candidates will be required to make an application to our preferred provider for the apprenticeship route you have chosen.   

 

Our Application Process  

We are committed to providing a clear and supportive recruitment journey. Here is what you can expect when applying for one of our apprentice opportunities:  

• CV Submission  
  Submit your CV for review. We will assess your application against the entry criteria for the role you are applying for.  

• Online Assessment  
  You will complete a series of assessments designed to understand how you approach workplace situations, your preferred ways of working, as well as exercises to evaluate your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills.  

• Video Interview  
  At this stage, you will be invited to record responses to two questions set by our hiring team. You will have sufficient time to prepare and ensure you present yourself confidently.  

• Assessment Centre  
  Our in-person assessment centres, held at a LOR office, provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of individual tasks, short interviews, and group activities. This is also a chance to experience our culture first-hand.  

• Outcome  
  We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your assessment centre within two weeks. 

Entry requirements   

We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:   

• 5 GCSEs - preferably grades 7-4 in Maths and English 

• 3 A-levels equivalent to 72 UCAS points, including math's or science, or BTEC or Equivalent 

• You must be eligible to work in the UK.  We do not offer visa sponsorship 

 

Application Deadline   

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may close a role once enough candidates have applied. We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible so you don't miss the opportunity to be considered.   

 

Accessibility and Support 
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us earlytalent@laingorourke.com 

 

**The Professional Apprenticeship Programme will commence in September 2026**