higher and degree apprenticeships

Join Our Apprenticeship Trainee Programme.

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:

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.

Account Manager

Location: Southampton

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 30-04-2026

ACCOUNT MANAGER Wates have excellent opportunity for a technically strong Account Manager to provide operational leadership, technical management, added value and development of our unique client based in Southampton. ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for an Account Manager with experience of working in transferable environment, with strong demonstrable experience of in leading people with experience of managing a multi-diverse team. With a recognised technical qualification and membership to the Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) or equivalent, coupled with solid financial / commercial acumen with experience of running a P&L and ensuring budget is achieved. To be successful in the role you will have strong interpersonal, problem solving and change management skills, and be someone who can demonstrate the ability to balance the integration of the requirements and terms of policies and procedures with those of the client and make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to employees, clients, Senior management. This is a terrific opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. Some of the other Key Accountabilities as Account Manager include: Lead and motivate the WPS team by example and deliver excellence and first class sustainable hard M&E and Fabric service provisions. Provide visible leadership and liase effectively and nurture the relationships with the key client stakeholders. To ensure compliance with all statutory, safety, quality, environmental, security and relevant Wates Professional Standards, creating a Zero Harm culture. Ensuring targets are maintained by the timely upload of compliance certification onto ACT. (Assurance Compliance Tool) Responsible for implementing and safeguarding best practice for commercial activity relating to contract management and managing specialists and suppliers to ensure dynamic MI reporting and that KPI/SLA targets are delivered. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 5% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 22 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, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. 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 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

HR Administrator

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: HR

Application Deadline: 10-04-2026

🌟 Join Our Team as an HR Administrator! 🌟📍 Location: Finsbury Park🏢 Business Unit: WPS👥 Do you love working with people?📋 Are you highly organised and ready to grow in a well-established, family-run business?If so, we’ve got a fantastic opportunity for you!💼 About the RoleWe’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented HR Administrator to join our WPS team. You’ll provide essential administrative support to managers and employees, helping to deliver a smooth and efficient HR service across the full employee lifecycle.🔑 Key Responsibilities✅ Manage high-volume queries via our case management system✅ Support onboarding from offer to first day (contracts, compliance, check-ins)✅ Process changes to terms and conditions (job title, hours, salary, etc.)✅ Handle leaver administration for a smooth exit experience✅ Maintain and update our HR database and trackers✅ Ensure compliance with HR policies, procedures, and SLAs✅ Guide managers and employees on HR best practices✅ Conduct audits to maintain data accuracy✅ Respond to external reference requests in line with GDPR✅ Support cyclical tasks like pay reviews, bonuses, and audits✅ Suggest improvements to enhance process efficiency🎯 What We’re Looking For✔️ Previous admin experience in a busy HR team✔️ Ideally CIPD Level 3 qualified✔️ Excellent written and verbal communication skills✔️ Confident engaging with people at all levels✔️ High attention to detail and motivation to learn🔐 Pre-Employment ChecksThis role requires a Basic DBS Check at offer stage. We assess all applicants individually and do not discriminate based on criminal records. Some roles may require additional vetting.👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-security-vetting-advice

Site Surveyor

Location: Wolverhampton

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 23-04-2026

Site Surveyor – Planned Works (Social Housing)Division: WPS PlannedLocation: West Midlands (regional travel)Job Type: Full TimeContract Type: PermanentWorking Pattern: Hybrid – office and site basedAbout the roleDue to recent contract wins and continued business growth, WPS Planned is seeking an experienced Site Surveyor to join our team covering the West Midlands.The role will support the delivery of planned social housing works, including Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) projects, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, and associated refurbishment programmes. This is a varied role combining office‑based duties with regular site visits across the contract area.Key responsibilities Undertake site surveys and measurements to support planned works programmes Produce and price scoping documents using agreed Schedules of Rates (SOR) Support cost control, valuations, and commercial reporting Work closely with operational teams to support programme delivery Assist with procurement of works packages and liaise with subcontractors Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, residents, and internal stakeholders Ensure compliance with health & safety, quality, and company proceduresEssential experience and skills Proven experience working within the social housing sector – essential Demonstrable background delivering planned social housing works Experience of workstreams such as SHDF, kitchens & bathrooms, roofing, or similar refurbishment programmes Confident carrying out surveys, measurements, and pricing works Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Full UK driving licence (regional travel required)Applications without social housing experience will not be considered.Desirable Relevant surveying or construction‑related qualification Experience working for a main contractor or property services providerWhat we offer Permanent role within a growing planned division Strong pipeline of secured work across the West Midlands Career development and progression opportunities Competitive salary and benefits packageGiven 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

Electrician

Location: Barnsley

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 22-04-2026

WPS are looking for a qualified and motivated Electrician to join our responsive maintenance team, delivering high-quality electrical repairs and installations across social housing properties in the Barnsley area.🔍 What you’ll do: Carry out electrical repairs, fault finding, and installations in occupied and void properties. Ensure all work complies with current regulations and safety standards. Respond to emergency call-outs and urgent maintenance requests. Work collaboratively with tenants, housing officers, and other trades.✅ What you’ll need: Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in Electrical Installation 18th Edition Wiring Regulations 2391 Inspection & Testing qualification (or equivalent) Experience in social housing or domestic maintenance is highly desirable. A full UK driving licence.💡 Why join us? Be part of a supportive and skilled team. Ongoing training and development opportunities. Company vehicle and tools provided. Pension scheme, holiday allowance, and other benefits.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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