Estimating 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 an Estimating Management Trainee, you will have the opportunity to develop the commercial and technical skills needed to support the successful delivery of construction projects from the earliest stages. Working as part of our Estimating team, you will learn how to prepare cost plans and estimates that help shape project budgets and support the work-winning process.

Throughout the programme, you will gain exposure to a wide range of projects and work closely with experienced estimators, commercial teams, operational colleagues, supply chain partners and clients. You will learn how to review drawings, specifications and tender documentation, analyse project requirements, and develop accurate and competitive cost estimates.

What you will do:

Over the course of the programme, you will:

• Assist in the preparation of cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates to support tender submissions and new business opportunities.
• Review project drawings, specifications and tender documentation to identify scope, risks and cost implications.
• Support the evaluation of subcontractor and supplier quotations, ensuring costs are competitive and aligned with project requirements.
• Help produce customer-focused bid responses and work-winning strategies, tailoring submissions to meet the specific needs of each client.
• Compile and coordinate tender documentation and electronic submissions, ensuring internal processes, governance and deadlines are met.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Commercial, Pre-Construction, Operations and Supply Chain teams to develop a broad understanding of the project lifecycle.
• Assist in researching market trends, material costs and labour rates to help inform estimating decisions.
• Develop an understanding of how different materials, designs and construction methods can affect project costs, helping to identify practical and cost-effective solutions for clients.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues, customers and supply chain partners while developing your professional network across the business.
• 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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