Building Services Graduate Management Trainee (site-based)

About Wates

Established in 1897, we are one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. With 6,000 employees and now in our fourth generation of family ownership, we’re committed to the long-term sustainability of the built environment and to making our industry more inclusive and representative of the communities we work in.

With multiple businesses working across the built environment, we can offer a wide range of career opportunities.

As part of our trainee programme, you'll join a network of around 200 peers, learning and working together as you build connections and develop your career at Wates.

About the opportunity:

As a Building Services Engineering Trainee, you will develop an understanding of the systems that make buildings safe, comfortable, efficient and sustainable to use. Working alongside experienced engineering and project teams, you will gain hands-on experience in the design, installation and management of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, power, lighting, water and renewable energy systems.

Throughout the programme, you will be exposed to the full project lifecycle, from design and pre-construction through to installation, commissioning and project completion. You will learn how building services engineering contributes to the successful delivery of construction projects, ensuring buildings perform effectively while meeting technical, environmental and client requirements.

What you will do:

Over the course of the programme, you will:

• Develop an understanding of how mechanical and electrical building services are designed, coordinated, installed and maintained throughout a project's lifecycle.
• Work with engineering and project teams to review technical information, drawings and specifications, supporting the delivery of high-quality building services solutions.
• Research current and emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives and industry best practices, helping to identify innovative and efficient solutions for projects.
• Support the monitoring of project progress, key milestones and engineering deliverables, contributing to team meetings and project reviews.
• Assist in reviewing the quality and compliance of mechanical and electrical installations carried out by subcontractors and supply chain partners.
• Gain an understanding of testing, commissioning and handover activities, ensuring building services systems perform as intended.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Commercial, Planning, Design Management and Site Management teams to understand how projects are planned, controlled and delivered.
• Develop knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements relating to building services engineering.
• Build an understanding of how engineering decisions can impact project costs, programme delivery, sustainability and building performance.
• Develop strong technical, communication and problem-solving skills through practical experience, structured learning and mentoring support.
• Gain the relevant technical and behavioural knowledge for your role, through the completion of a technical manual, behavioural workshops, short-term placements and relevant qualifications.

About you:

To be successful, you’ll:

• Be passionate about building a career in the built environment.
• Be curious, eager to learn and committed to your personal development.
• Build positive relationships and work collaboratively with others.
• Take ownership of your work and act with integrity and professionalism.
• Approach challenges with a positive, solution-focused mindset.
• Be organised, adaptable and able to prioritise effectively.
• Be committed to delivering high standards and making a positive impact.

Entry Requirements

• By September 2027, you must have obtained a bachelor's degree with a predicted or achieved classification of 2:2 or above.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Important: Travel Requirements

As a project-based business, our teams work across a variety of locations. Depending on the role, you may be required to work from different project sites within the region or nationally throughout the programme.

Please carefully consider this requirement before applying, as travel and mobility are essential parts of the role. Successful candidates must be willing to travel in line with project and business need.

What's in it for you?

At Wates, we're committed to helping you build a successful career in construction. Alongside hands-on experience in your chosen career pathway, graduates who do not hold a degree in a construction-related subject will be enrolled onto a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship, providing additional learning and development to help accelerate your career in the built environment.

You'll also benefit from mentoring, structured training, behavioural workshops and support from experienced professionals throughout your programme. We encourage and support our trainees to continue their professional development through industry-recognised qualifications and, where applicable, work towards Chartership.

In addition, we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Car allowance
• Health & wellness programme
• 26 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Birthday Day off

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you!

A few things to consider before you apply:

• Some vacancies might close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
• Only one application will be accepted per recruitment year. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn.

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