From determination to fulfilment: Mohamed’s early career journey at Wates Residential
In early September 2024, Mohamed began an exciting new chapter as a Management Trainee within our Residential business. Within weeks, he also celebrated the arrival of his first child – a memorable introduction to a year filled with growth, learning and personal milestones.
What began in October 2023 as a simple online search for apprenticeship opportunities quickly became something more. While exploring career routes that would support both his development and future ambitions, Mohamed came across Wates – a discovery that immediately stood out.
Learning about our trainee programme felt like a turning point. It offered structured learning, real project exposure and a clear path to grow within the industry – exactly what he’d been looking for.
After applying alongside hundreds of candidates nationwide, Mohamed navigated a rigorous selection process and was offered the role in May 2024.
His journey to Wates wasn’t without its challenges. Mohamed had previously begun a Civil Engineering course at Swansea University but had to step away when his father fell ill, taking on additional responsibilities to support his family. Although the timing wasn’t right then, his ambition to return to the industry remained strong.
As part of his traineeship, Mohamed is developing his skills in estimating. His work focuses on understanding what a project will cost before anything is built, including pricing materials and labour. On a typical day, he reviews drawings and specifications, liaises with supply chain partners to gather accurate quotations, assesses risks and pulls everything together into full cost plans that help shape project decisions.
Mohamed is motivated by the blend of accuracy, problem solving and collaboration the role entails. He enjoys working closely with different teams across the business, learning how each discipline contributes to the bigger picture. For him, the most rewarding part is seeing how those early calculations and choices influence the entire project lifecycle. Estimating gives him a unique, big picture perspective on how buildings come together long before construction begins – something he finds both challenging and energising as he builds his future career.
Now, one year into his traineeship, Mohamed couldn’t be happier. He shares that his team has been incredibly supportive – taking the time to explain tasks, offer structured guidance, and provide flexibility during those early weeks when he was balancing a new role with fatherhood.
That support has helped him grow quickly into his position and deepen his understanding of the industry.
I am truly excited about the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally with Wates. This role offers a chance to deepen my knowledge, develop new skills and collaborate with a team that is committed to excellence. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the company’s success and supporting its vision for innovation and positive impact.”
Mohamed Yusef
Estimating Management Trainee
