2026 Operations Management Apprenticeship

We're looking for bright and motivated apprentices 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 

This role is within the Select Plant Hire business. Our Operations Management Trainee will assist and work within multiple departments, to coordinate and optimise the day-to-day operations carried out by our teams, ensuring an efficient and effective service for customers. The role involves strategic planning, business analysis, and hands on operational coordination, to push for improvements and achieve the businesses goals. There will be opportunity for rotation through different departments within the Select Plant Hire business, developing your operational skills and knowledge. 

 

Key Deliverables and Accountabilities   

The candidate will have a variety of responsibilities subject to their expertise and preference, examples include: 

• Process Optimisation – Identify, enhance implement new business and operational processes. 

• Allocation – Assist with allocation of workforce, plant and finance, looking for optimal utilisation. 

• Continuous Improvement- Addressing operational challenges and proactively seeking and assisting the implementation of solutions. 

• Operational Planning – Assist with the development of operational plans / work. 

• Leverage data from across the business to produce coherent and comprehensive analysis and reports to support decision making by management with regards product development, investment, and business planning. 

• Willingness to work additional hours outside the contracted hours as and when required. 

• Willingness to stay away from home as and when required. 

• Visit client sites as and when required to review performance and develop relationships with the client and operations teams. 

• To liaise with teams across the business and identify cross-functional opportunities for knowledge sharing and business improvement. 

• Ad hoc duties to assist the business to achieve its overall aims. 

• Gain a breadth of knowledge from across Select business with regards to products, processes, and people. 

• Explore opportunities for general business improvement process re-deign. 

 

Locations   

• This role will be based at St Neots, Cambridgeshire or Dartford, Kent. 

 

Apprenticeship Level and Standard   

Chartered manager (degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education 

 

Entry requirements  

We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:   

• 4 GCSEs at C/4+, including Maths & English  

• Minimum of 2 A Levels with a minimum of 72 UCAS points or equivalent  

• Have strong numeracy and literacy skills 

• Be flexible as you may be required to work away     

• Be eligible to work in the UK.  We cannot offer visa sponsorship 

 

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. 

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**