Reimagining Futures: From T-Level Student to Management Trainee at SES
Matthew Pendlebury
Reimagining Futures: From T-Level Student to Management Trainee at SES
From college learner to full-time Management Trainee, Matthew’s journey shows the power of T-Levels in action.
As part of National T-Level Week, we caught up with him to hear how the experience shaped his career and what advice he would give to other students considering the same path.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to choose a T-Level?
A: During my time at school, I developed a strong interest in the construction and building services industry. When I was introduced to the T-level qualification, I recognised it as a valuable pathway that would offer me targeted industry experience and knowledge. I was especially eager to participate in an industry placement, as it would provide hands-on exposure to working on a live construction site and deepen my understanding of the industry.
Q: What first brought you to Wates for your T-Level placement?
A: During the initial stages of my studies, Wates Construction reached out to students to offer industry placement opportunities as part of their Department for Education (DfE) projects at Littleborough Primary School, Edgar Wood High School, and Whitworth Community High School. I was eager to pursue this opportunity, as it presented a valuable chance to gain hands-on experience and learn from experienced professionals, enhancing my academic journey. Following a successful interview, I commenced my placement on-site at Littleborough Primary School in December 2021.
Q: What was your placement experience like?
A: During my placement, I had the opportunity to build upon a solid foundation of knowledge, supported by a dedicated and enthusiastic site team. This experience enabled me to deepen my understanding of the various aspects of the construction and building services industry. I developed essential skills in project management, ensuring safety compliance, delivering high-quality work within established timescales, and progressing as a professional entering the industry. In June 2022 I was awarded with the outstanding placement award at the 2022 further education awards evening, it was an amazing achievement in which I am thoroughly proud of. Showcasing the effort the team and myself put in to ensure that my placement was a success.
Q: What skills or lessons did you take away from your T-Level placement?
A: Reflecting on my experience, I consider the confidence I developed to be my most significant achievement. This growth enabled me to become more proactive and vocal within a professional setting, becoming comfortable to share my knowledge and insights. I also acquired a valuable understanding of how the site team can coordinate activities effectively, prioritising safety and thorough planning. The combination of technical knowledge and professional behaviours I developed during this period was instrumental in my success beyond the placement.
Q: How did your T-Level experience influence your next steps?
A: The placement allowed me to further explore options within the business and build off the experience I already had gained. After my placement on site had concluded I made the decision to develop my knowledge in pre-construction with Wates to understand the pre-site commencement processes and how we tender and bid for work.
Soon after, I was officially employed by Wates as a pre-construction intern which was incredible and a key milestone in my career. Throughout this period of employment, I had a structured progression plan which allowed me to explore all elements of the business and the different job roles it entailed.
It was during this time that I developed an interest in building services through exposure to wates’ building services partner contractor SES (Formally knows as Wates building services). This is when I made the decision to apply for the Production management trainee position with SES and in September 2023 I began my new role as a trainee at the new leisure centre development in Halton.
The influence my placement had on myself was outstanding I had taken an opportunity which was scheduled to last 2 months and created my career off the back of it, which I couldn’t have done without the support and guidance from everybody within the business. I am grateful I had the opportunity to work alongside so many incredible people.
Q: What has your journey been like since joining SES as a Management Trainee?
A: Since beginning my traineeship with SES, I received extensive support and was provided with opportunities to undertake independent tasks, enabling me to develop confidence and competence in my role. This supportive environment facilitated significant academic and professional growth; I successfully completed my HNC and CIBSE assessments, earning recognition as a building services engineer. Building on this foundation, I am now preparing to commence university studies in building services engineering. My progression within SES has significantly boosted my confidence and knowledge, allowing me to establish a strong presence among my colleagues and feel fully integrated into the team.
Q: What would you say to students thinking about doing a T-Level or applying for a placement with Wates?
A: The experience I had during my placement was instrumental to my career and provided an opportunity for me to continue post placement, you learn every day on site and for me the visual experience was so important, allowing me to take my knowledge from a classroom to a live site.
Take the opportunity to get yourself involved and use the resources available to achieve whatever it is you are looking to achieve.
Q: And finally, how do you feel about being part of Wates’ journey to reimagine futures?
A: The opportunities that Wates and SES provide makes me proud to be a part of such an influential business, thriving to better young people’s careers. I was given the chance to build a career, and I hope many others seize the opportunity.
