About the recruitment process

What to expect during the early careers application process

Our recruitment process is designed to identify individuals who are not just skilled, but also share our values and are excited about contributing to our purpose. We’re not looking for candidates with extensive experience—we’re looking for those who can demonstrate teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and a commitment to learning. With the right preparation and a genuine approach, you can showcase your potential and take the next step in your career with Wates.

1. Skills we look for

We’re looking for individuals who demonstrate key skills and attributes that align with our company culture:

• Teamwork and collaboration: We are looking for people who enjoy being part of a team, working collaboratively towards a common goal.
• Communication skills: Clear and effective communication is vital in our industry. We’re looking for candidates who can articulate their thoughts, listen to others, and adapt their communication style to different situations.
• Problem-solving ability: At Wates, we face challenges daily. We value individuals who can approach problems with a positive mindset, think critically, and come up with innovative solutions.
• Motivation and willingness to learn: We look for candidates who are passionate about joining our team at Wates and aspire to develop in their career with us.

2. Preparing for the recruitment process

Here are some specific tips to help you shine during the recruitment process.

• Prepare real-life examples: Even if you lack formal work experience, think about experiences from your education, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities where you demonstrated teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Understand our business: Take time to research Wates, our projects, and our commitment to sustainability and social value. Understanding what we do and our impact on the community will help you tailor your responses and show your genuine interest in our work.
• Be yourself: Authenticity goes a long way. We want to get to know the real you—your aspirations, strengths, and how you approach challenges. Don’t try to fit a mould; instead, focus on how your unique qualities align with what we value at Wates.
• Ask questions: Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. This could include asking about our ongoing projects, team dynamics, or career development opportunities at Wates.

3. Requesting reasonable adjustments

We aim to create an environment where you feel comfortable and can perform at your best. This includes offering reasonable adjustments to accommodate any needs you may have during the recruitment process.

If you have specific needs that require reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to let us know as early as possible. Whether it’s requiring additional time for certain tasks or requesting materials in advance, we are here to support you.

Find your early career pathway with Wates

If you want to make a real impact in your career, there’s no better place to start your journey in the built environment.

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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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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 to embark on a career in the built environment. 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, my role at Wates empowers me to be a pivotal 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.

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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.

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Golden Iwourie

Planning Management Trainee

Over the past two years, I have embarked on a transformative journey as a Planning Management Trainee within Wates, a company that prioritises the growth and development of its trainees. Joining through the esteemed trainee programme, I've had the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the intricacies of the built environment industry while learning on the job. One of the programme's highlights has been the opportunity to undertake placements across diverse departments such as Production, Commercial, Design, SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment), M&E (Mechanical and Electrical), and Bid.

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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.”