Welcoming Our First Graduate Trainees
We’re delighted to kick off the new year with an exciting milestone for Greyfriars—the arrival of our very first graduate trainees! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Ellen Lockhart, our Trainee Quantity Surveyor (and the first full-time team member at Greyfriars Cost Management), and Daniel Hammond, our Trainee Project Manager.
This achievement follows an incredible response to our recruitment campaign. Overall, we received over 40 applications for just two roles! For a company of our size, that level of interest is fantastic. Therefore, we want to say a big thank you to everyone who applied. If you weren’t successful this time, don’t worry—there’s more to come!
Meet Ellen – Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Greyfriars Cost Management
Ellen has joined Greyfriars Cost Management to help us deliver robust, value-driven cost consultancy across Norfolk. Her role includes cost planning, procurement support, measurement, and commercial assurance—essential elements that ensure our clients achieve certainty and value. Ellen will begin an MRICS-approved PGDip in Quantity Surveying and receive full support towards achieving MRICS status.
Meet Daniel – Trainee Project Manager
Meanwhile, Daniel is stepping into the world of construction project management. He will support planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and delivery across our diverse portfolio. His training combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, gaining key skills by shadowing our project managers and contributing to live projects. Daniel brings a strong background in project co-ordination and had already started working towards PRINCE2 before joining Greyfriars.
Our structured programme follows APM competency frameworks, giving Daniel a clear roadmap to professional accreditation and a strong foundation for a successful career.
Why We’re “Growing Our Own”: Tackling the Skills Gap in Construction
The UK construction sector faces a significant skills challenge. Industry forecasts suggest that around 48,000 additional workers per year will be needed between 2025 and 2029, with quantity surveyors and project managers among the most in-demand roles. In addition, government analysis estimates over 250,000 extra workers will be required by 2028 to maintain current output levels.
Although Norfolk is making progress—with apprenticeship starts rising year-on-year—the need for skilled professionals remains urgent. That’s why, at Greyfriars, we believe the solution lies in “growing our own” talent. By creating structured pathways for graduates and apprentices, we can help them enter the industry, gain practical experience, and develop professional standards.
Last summer, we successfully hosted an intern who gained valuable insight into project management. Right now, we’re also supporting a T Level placement, giving a student hands-on experience in a real-world setting. These initiatives reflect our commitment to building a strong skills pipeline for Norfolk.
Thank You to Everyone Who Applied
A huge thank you to the 40+ applicants who expressed interest in joining Greyfriars. We were impressed with the applications and hope to open further positions later in the year. If you weren’t successful this time, please keep an eye on our Careers page—we’ll announce new roles soon.
Interested in Traineeships, Internships or Industry Placements? Learn more here: Internships, traineeships & Industry Placements – Greyfriars