Join Our Apprenticeship Trainee Programme.
If you don’t have a Degree, but would like to gain practical experience with us, you could join our Apprenticeship Trainee Programme, where we’ll teach you all the technical and professional skills you need to succeed.
Higher and Degree apprenticeships
Throughout your time on this Programme, you’ll get plenty of support: a mentor, placement opportunities, an industry-recognised qualification and a clear career path offering promotion opportunities.
Your journey will begin on a Level 4 construction-related qualification, designed to give you the technical knowledge required to succeed. From there, you will have the opportunity to be enrolled on a Degree Apprenticeship, and once complete, you will have the opportunity to progress onto Chartership.
To be eligible, you’ll need to have achieved GCSEs grade 4/C or above in both Maths and English. As well as a minimum of 2 A Levels, or equivalent, (e.g., Level 3 College qualification, T-Level etc.), at grades DD or above.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Private medical insurance
- Employer pension contribution
- Car allowance or company car
- Health & wellness programme
- 26 days holiday + bank holidays
- Industry leading family leave policies
- Volunteering days
Please note that some of our roles and locations do require a full driving licence by the time the programme starts to enable you to travel to site. Specific requirements can be found in the job details so please read carefully before applying.
Careers
Want to be part of our team? Become part of the Wates story.
Search our latest vacancies to find the perfect role for you.

Operations Manager
Location: York
Job Type: Operational
Application Deadline: 22-05-2025
Here at Wates, we have an opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our Property Services Planned team in the Midlands area. This role will be focussing on projects within the social housing sector so ideally, we are looking for someone who has experience of working in a similar field. You will be managing a team of Project Managers and Site Managers and direct reports to provide a first-class service to our clients and sustainable, growing Operational service in the Planned Maintenance Division. The role is to act as the interface between the various clients at monthly review meetings and deliver all contracts to an extremely high standard making sure KPIs & Health & Safety is maintained to the clients' expectations and Wates high standards at all times. Key Accountabilities will include: Responsible for all regional delivery; building and maintaining an effective and motivated team Lead the division with an operational and commercial mindset making sure the team are aware of contract obligations and how they can always influence profitability Ensure that all projects are set-up with company governance maximised, production control in place and productivity regularly monitored To work and develop relationships with all key clients to allow each contract to run in accordance with the brief and the clients' high expectations. Attend all client progress meetings giving feedback, progress and all KPI data as requested. Procure work by maintaining and developing contacts in the industry, as well as have direct involvement in the strategic thinking applied to the Unit's tenders To work with all key supply chain partners making sure all Operating Framework compliance details are in place before commencement of any projects Monitor and approve the financial forecasts; ensuring that the best cost planning information is provided To drive compliance and operating excellence throughout the division at all levels. To be successful in the role you will already be in an operational leadership role and have experience in successfully managing maintenance teams and projects and been accountable for all disciplines from the bidding stage; from design and planning through to handover, all within time and budget. We are looking for the ability to lead and influence at all levels to deliver outstanding results, successfully develop relationships to create future opportunities and have a proactive approach to risk management and value-add. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Plumber
Location: Redditch
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 22-05-2025
Here at Wates we have an opportunity for a Plumber to join our team within our Responsive Maintenance division. You will be working out of our Redditch office on one of our long standing social housing contracts, delivering reactive maintenance to our residents.Due to the nature of this role we need you to have a full driving license and be educated to a minimum NVQ Level 2 in plumbing Key Accountabilities will include: Having an understanding of, and the ability to work to, industry-accepted Health and Safety standards. Undertaking repair/renewal works to plumbing installations, and associated or minor maintenance tasks utilising your multi-trade experience. Working alongside colleagues or contractors to complete complex orders. Using PDA to receive instructions, and to feedback electronically details of works undertaken, or works to be undertaken. Liaising with Supervisors/schedulers in a timely manner when works are unable to be completed on a first visit, providing detailed information to allow works to be programmed in. Affording excellent customer service to residents, client and colleagues. We are looking for a professional Plumber who has multi-trade experience gained from working in a similar industry and environment. To be successful in the role you must also be an excellent communicator with the ability to problem solve, multi task and work to tight deadlines. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Location: Newmarket
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 15-05-2025
Are you a forward-thinking Surveyor with a passion for challenging the norm and driving innovation in the construction industry? Wates invites you to become part of our team, where we deliver high-profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. This is your opportunity to make a real impact, elevate your career, and work on groundbreaking projects with a supportive and diverse team.Why Choose Wates?At Wates, we reimagine places for people to thrive. We’re not just offering a job; we’re offering a platform for you to bring fresh ideas, redefine standards, and grow within a company that values talent and ambition. Our inclusive environment encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring that your contributions will shape the future of construction.What You’ll Do:As a Senior Quantity Surveyor at Wates, you will play a pivotal role in the success of our projects by leading the commercial aspects and ensuring their seamless execution. Your responsibilities will include: Leadership & Strategy: Managing the project’s commercial team and taking accountability for all pre- and post-contract strategies, commercial functions, and contract reporting. Value Creation: Collaborating with clients and industry experts to deliver added value, ensure compliance, and uphold best practices while driving commercial viability. Key Deliverables: Oversee procurement strategies, sub-contract orders, and supply chain management. Handle measurements, valuations, contractual notices, and change valuations. Complete and submit monthly cost reports, progress updates, and both internal and external tender strategies. Financial Oversight: Maintain positive project cash flow through upstream/downstream valuations and deliver accurate final accounts for main and sub-contracts. What’s in It for You? · Competitive salary & profit share scheme · Flexible working · Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) · Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) · Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… · Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. · Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. Ready to Build the Future?If you’re ready to redefine what’s possible in construction and take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you. Join Wates, and together, let’s create tomorrow.Apply Now to Make Your Mark!To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Supervisor
Location: Finsbury Park
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 22-05-2025
Here at Wates we have an opportunity for a Responsive Repairs Supervisor to join the team within our Responsive Maintenance division on on of our largest social housing contracts. You will be working out of our Finsbury Park and Ealing offices so being flexible re travel is key. The role includes management of approx 12 operatives at a time on our Day to Day workstream however we are also looking for the right Supervisor to get stuck in with the day job when needed. Key Accountabilities will include: Ensure high quality service is provided with the management of the work scheduling in accordance with company procedures, standards and SLAs Represent Wates at client and resident performance meetings as requested by the Operations Manager Manage the responsive repairs function to ensure consistent performance against targets Effective and efficient management of material costs and ensure that all are following correct processes and procedures Monitor quality of work through inspection, inspection reports, analysis of key performance indicators and analysis of customer satisfaction surveys. Lead, manage and contribute to the development of your team and determine optimum employment levels to comply with the provision of the serviceKey Requirements: You must have a full UK driving licence, SSSTS qualification and ideally come from a multiskilled trade background.SMSTS and Asbestos Awareness would be advantageous too Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
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