Customer
Services
Apprenticeships

Customer
Services
Apprenticeships

Your pathway to success.

At Wates, we know customer service is essential to all our client relationships, both internally and externally.

Customer
Services
Apprenticeships

About the programme

We strive to offer excellent customer service, and we achieve this by ensuring our customer service apprentices have the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to provide this.

As a Customer Service Apprentice at Wates, you will be an ambassador of excellent customer service, from dealing with customer requests to ensuring questions are dealt with.

In addition to your on-the-job training, we will also ensure you receive the support needed to complete a recognised Customer Service Apprenticeship.

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.

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

Permit Office Manager

Location: Saffron Walden

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 22-04-2026

Permit Office Manager Location: Saffron WaldenWe are seeking an experienced and proactive Permit Office Manager to lead our Permit Office operations at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. This is a site-based leadership role, integral to ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of all contractor activities across a world-leading scientific research campus.If you have a strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E, with deep knowledge of health & safety, CDM and permit-to-work systems, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead a critical function supporting complex maintenance and project activity.What You’ll Be DoingAs the Permit Office Manager, you will take ownership of the entire Permit to Work function and lead the Permit Office Team. Your responsibilities will include:Leadership & Operational Management Leading and managing the Permit Office team to deliver an efficient, compliant Permit Office operation. Overseeing the preparation, authorisation, issuance, execution and close-out of all permits and control certificates. Ensuring all contractors are correctly inducted and compliant with WGC policies and CDM requirements. Managing staffing levels for escorting and assisting systems across the campus. Chairing or supporting weekly/monthly permit review meetings.Compliance, Auditing & Risk Management Promoting and driving a positive safety culture across the Wellcome Genome Campus. Conducting on-site safety and performance audits of contractors and subcontractors. Ensuring the suitability and sufficiency of all Construction Phase Plans (CPPs) in collaboration with Estates & Facilities colleagues. Monitoring health & safety documentation, challenging gaps or unsafe practices where necessary. Maintaining a live campus map showing all active permits and transfers of control.System Ownership & Continuous Improvement Taking full ownership of the electronic Permit to Work software system. Managing system uptime in collaboration with IT providers and leading on system improvements. Developing the contractor onboarding process to improve safety and operational efficiency. Proactively identifying improvement opportunities, ensuring WGC remains compliant, innovative, and efficient.Stakeholder Engagement Acting as a key liaison between Facilities Management teams, visiting contractors, principal contractors, and internal stakeholders. Ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays. Supporting Contractors through inductions and system processes as needed.What We’re Looking ForEssential Qualifications & Skills Strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E with proven permit-to-work experience. Excellent knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, CDM regulations and risk management. Experience managing statutory compliance on a complex site. Strong understanding of QHSE systems. Solid IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience with systems such as Aconex, Buzzsaw or similar. Experience managing or overseeing large and small projects. Proven leadership, organisational and motivational skills. Experience carrying out H&S audits and reviews. NEBOSH General/Construction Certificate (or equivalent).Desirable Formal qualification in Engineering, Construction or M&E. AP appointment in areas such as working at height, confined spaces, hot works, electrical, LOTO, pressure systems, etc. Membership of IOSH, APS, CIOB, RICS.Experience RequiredEssential Strong communication skills, able to work confidently with operational teams, managers and senior stakeholders. Able to lead the permit system end-to-end and support contractors without compromising safety. Experience reviewing safety documentation, challenging poor practices, and ensuring compliance. Demonstrated ability to support project delivery safely, on time, and within budget. Experience monitoring and improving safety and permit systems.Desirable Experience managing high volumes of permits across multiple projects. Ability to identify high-risk areas and communicate risks clearly to contractors. Strong auditing experience, able to identify trends and escalate concerns appropriately.Personal AttributesWe’re looking for a Permit Office Manager with: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills Collaborative and personable working style Strong leadership and a solutions-focused mindset Confidence in challenging unsafe or non-compliant activity Innovation, attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement A results-driven approach with commitment to delivering safe, efficient operationsYou’ll be at the heart of a high-profile, high-complexity site where safety, precision and compliance are paramount. Your work will directly support the vital research and scientific breakthroughs happening every day at the Wellcome Genome Campus.This is a fantastic opportunity to shape, lead and continuously improve the Permit Office function in a dynamic, prestigious environment.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

Permit Officer

Location: Saffron Walden

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 22-04-2026

Permit Officer Location: Saffron WaldenWe are looking for a proactive and detail-driven Permit Officer to join our team at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. This is a site-based role supporting the safe and efficient management of contractors working across a busy, innovative scientific campus.If you have a background in Engineering, Construction or M&E and experience issuing permits, this is a great opportunity to play a key part in ensuring safety, compliance and operational excellence across a world-class facility.What You’ll Be DoingAs a Permit Officer, you’ll support the smooth running of the Permit Office and help maintain a safe working environment across the campus. Your responsibilities will include:Permit & Compliance Management Preparing, reviewing, authorising and issuing work permits and control certificates via our electronic system. Ensuring all contractors have completed their inductions and meet the Wellcome Genome Campus (WGC) health & safety requirements. Maintaining accurate records, including a live campus map showing active permits and areas of control. Monitoring permitted work on-site, including conducting safety and performance checks on contractors and subcontractors.Supporting Safe Operations Promoting a strong safety culture across the campus. Collaborating with Estates & Facilities, FM contractors, visiting contractors and principal contractors. Assisting with contractor onboarding and delivering health & safety inductions. Providing input into system improvements and supporting the management of the electronic Permit to Work software.Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Acting as a liaison between internal teams and external contractors. Assisting with weekly and monthly permit review meetings. Helping resolve queries and providing guidance to ensure work is conducted safely, on time and in line with CDM and WGC procedures.What We’re Looking ForEssential Experience & Skills Background in Engineering, Construction or M&E with previous permit issuing experience. Strong understanding of UK Health & Safety legislation, particularly CDM. Confident communicator able to work effectively with operatives, managers and senior stakeholders. Solid IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience using systems such as Aconex, Buzzsaw or other permit software. Ability to challenge unsafe working practices and identify gaps in documentation. Experience supporting small and large-scale projects.Desirable Skills & Qualifications NEBOSH General/Construction Certificate, IOSH Managing Safely, or equivalent. Formal qualification in Engineering, Construction or M&E. Experience completing H&S audits or reviews. AP appointment in areas such as working at height, confined spaces, hot works, LOTO, pressure systems or similar. Membership of IOSH, APS, CIOB or RICS. Five years+ experience in a similar role.Personal QualitiesWe’re looking for someone who demonstrates: Strong communication skills Collaborative working style Leadership and ownership Innovation and continuous improvement mindset Results-driven approachIf you're an organised, confident Permit professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to help support pioneering scientific facilities, we’d love to hear from you.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

Resident Engineer

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 22-04-2026

Resident Engineer Location: ManchesterHours of Work: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (breaks included) No shifts ¦ No call-out rotaAbout the Role:WPS are looking for a Resident Engineer to join our team on a single, static site in central Manchester. This is an ideal opportunity for a multi-skilled engineer with either an electrical or mechanical bias who is seeking a stable, well-structured role with great opportunities and we continue to grow.As the on-site engineer, you will take ownership of day-to-day maintenance activity, ensuring building services operate efficiently, safely, and in full compliance.Key Responsibilities: Deliver planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive works Fault find and maintain mechanical and electrical systems Ensure plant and equipment remain compliant and fully operational Record all works accurately using maintenance systems Support site compliance and health & safety standards Build positive working relationships with the client and wider teamsAbout You: Qualified in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) Multi-skilled with a clear bias (electrical or mechanical) Experience in a commercial building services or static environment Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills Professional, reliable, and able to work independently on-siteWhy Join WPS? Permanent, static role — no multi-site travel Weekday working only for improved work-life balance No out-of-hours call-out or shift patterns Long-term stability with a well-established FM provider Supportive environment with opportunities to developGiven 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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