Kiosk mode

Person, Boy, Male, Teen, Adult, Female, Woman, Student, Face, Head

Our early careers programmes

Explore our early careers programmes

Choose the right pathway for you.

Shopping Mall, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Interior Design, Face, Head, Window, Skylight

Graduate trainee route

Are you a university graduate? Find out more about our trainee programme.

Discover more

Adult, Male, Man, Person, Clothing, Coat, Face, Head, Interior Design, Portrait

Higher apprentice trainee route

Do you have A-levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification? Find out more about our trainee programme.

Discover more

Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Face, Head, Portrait, Airport, Costume, Formal Wear

Year out placement trainee route

Are you part way through an industry related degree? Find out more about our trainee programme.

Discover more

Photography, City, Person, Portrait, Adult, Female, Woman, Path, Urban, Purple

Level 2/3 apprenticeships

Do you have GCSEs in Maths and English? Find out more about our Level 2/3 apprenticeship route.

Discover more

Step into an exciting industry

With plenty of prospects

There are incredible opportunities available in the built environment.

With a wide range of roles across many areas, there’s a place for you in our supportive culture so you can establish a successful career and flourish.

Groupshot, Person, People, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Bride, Face

Want to understand more about our application process?

Explore our frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our early careers programmes, application steps and interview process.

Discover our FAQs

Testimonials

See how our early career programmes have impacted people's careers at Wates.

Our early career programmes give people the opportunity to grow, develop and succeed in their career with us.

Face, Head, Neck, Person, Photography, Portrait, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Shoulder

Chardae Opoku-Afranie

Commercial Management Trainee

"I joined Wates after completing my A levels, and I am currently a Commercial Management Trainee pursuing a level 4 qualification in quantity surveying. I was inspired to join Wates by my dad’s profession as a Civil Engineer – I always knew I wanted a career in this sector. I now look to inspire a new generation of talent to seize opportunities in the built environment, whatever their background. As a black woman in the industry, at Wates I am empowered to be a role model and represent diverse talent in the industry. In the future, I look forward to progressing onto chartership, and one day becoming a Commercial Manager."

Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Blonde, Adult, Female, Woman, Neck

Aimee Shann

Quality Manager

My career at Wates has been very varied. I joined Wates as a Production Management Trainee in 2017. After a wonderful five years working in site management roles, I moved across to the Quality team in 2022. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wates so far and have been given some incredible opportunities, including recently being appointed onto the Future Leaders Board. There are endless career opportunities within the industry and my development across roles is just one example of that. It is evident Wates are a people focused company and they genuinely care about employee development.

Face, Happy, Head, Person, Smile, Portrait, Dimples, Adult, Male, Man

Golden Iwuorie

Planning Management Trainee

"During my two years as a Planner Trainee at Wates, I've gained invaluable insights across departments like Production, Commercial, Design, SHE, M&E, and Bid Management. Learning directly from seasoned professionals on-site was crucial in transforming me from a novice to a proficient planner. This experience equipped me with technical skills and a deep appreciation for the collaborative effort in construction. Wates provided a solid foundation for my career, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Smile, Neck, Adult, Female, Woman

Holly Rush

Developments Management Trainee

I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”