Apprentice Student Engineer Trainee

The Vacancy

As a Student Engineer Trainee at Wates, you will be responsible for the functional characteristics of a building that take it from being an empty shell to becoming a comfortable occupied space. Tasks may vary from designing the air filtration system in a forensic lab, controlling the temperature in an office or engineering the floodlights in a sports stadium. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a broad and varied role within the construction and building services industry.

What you will do

Over the course of the programme, you will:

• Support the project team throughout the various work phases, pre-construction, design and procurement, installation, commissioning and aftercare.
• Advise on cost-effective and energy-efficient building services solutions.
• Draw up plans, using computer-aided design and building information modelling software.
• Manage the design phase including the appointment and programme of an external designer.
• Manage the installation of mechanical and electrical services.
• Be involved in budget control, cost management and maximising value.
• Ensure all building services meet health and safety requirements and environmental legislation.
• Be testing and commissioning the mechanical and electrical services you managed during design and installation.
• Handover of construction projects to the client, demonstrating the installations meet required specifications.

About you

To be successful on the programme you’ll:

• Be passionate about a career in the built environment.
• Be excited to learn and develop new skills.
• Have a curious nature.
• Be reliable and professional.
• Be a problem solver with the ability to think logically.
• Possess good time management skills.
• Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines.

Entry requirements

• You must have achieved grade 4/C or above in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) and
• You must have obtained or be working towards a minimum of 2 A-Levels at grade D or above, or an equivalent qualification, such as:
  • Level 3 NVQ
  • BTEC
  • T-Level
  • Or other comparable Level 3 qualifications

Locations

• North Shields*
• Leicester

*Note: For the role in North Shields, you will be expected to travel across the North East region, subject to project locations.

Programme duration

This is a 3-year apprenticeship programme, combining practical experience with formal training. You’ll work towards a Level 4 qualification while gaining hands-on experience in the industry.

What’s in it for you?

Our Trainee Management Programme offers placement opportunities across various departments, technical and behavioural development, including support through relevant qualifications and a host of additional benefits. We provide the foundation skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need to build a long-term successful career.

In addition, we offer:

• Mentoring, support, and training by industry experts.
• Structured learning plan (a combination of technical and behavioural development).
• Competitive salary.
• Private medical insurance.
• Car allowance / company car scheme.
• Health & wellness programme.
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Completion of a construction related Level 4 qualification.  

We have nearly 200 talented Trainees currently completing our Trainee Management Programme, providing amazing opportunities to build a network, collaborate and share learning with your peers. Kickstart your journey and apply now!

We value authenticity and encourage you to complete your application without the use of AI tools. This helps us gain a genuine understanding of your individual strengths, experiences, and potential.

Applications for this role close at midday on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

This date may be brought forward or extended in line with the number of applications we receive. We’re only able to accept the first application we receive. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn.

 

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.