Location
London or Leeds (Thorpe Park). Office-based; initial placement, which may change during the programme.

Hours
Full time (exact hours not stated in the advert)

Salary
Competitive salary, plus car allowance

About the Role
Wates is recruiting an Estimating Graduate Management Trainee to join its 2026 trainee programme in London or Leeds. As part of the Estimating team, you’ll learn how to build the cost plans and estimates that shape project budgets and help Wates win new work. Working with experienced estimators, commercial and operational colleagues, supply chain partners and clients, you’ll review drawings, specifications and tender documents to understand each project’s scope, risks and costs. You’ll help prepare budgets and detailed estimates for tenders, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes to make sure they’re competitive. You’ll also contribute to client-focused bid responses and help compile tender documents and electronic submissions on time. Along the way, you’ll research market trends, material costs and labour rates, and learn how different materials, designs and construction methods affect what a project costs. The programme includes a technical manual, behavioural workshops and short placements.

Experience
No previous experience is required. This is an entry-level graduate programme for people starting a career in the built environment.

About you
You’ll be passionate about building a career in construction, curious, and committed to your own development. You build strong relationships with colleagues, customers and supply chain partners, take ownership of your work, and act with integrity. You’ll bring an analytical, solution-focused mindset, strong organisation, and the ability to work to deadlines and prioritise. You must be willing to travel to different project sites across the region or nationally as needed.

Qualifications
By September 2027, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a subject relevant to the role, with a predicted or achieved 2:2 or above. A full UK driving licence is required. A Basic DBS check is required.

Benefits
Private medical insurance, pension scheme, life assurance, flexible benefits, car allowance, car salary sacrifice scheme, health and wellness programme, enhanced family leave, 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, and your birthday off. You’ll also get mentoring, structured training and support towards professional qualifications and chartership.

Good to know
Applications may close early if there’s high demand, and only one application per recruitment year is accepted. Wates asks candidates to complete their application without AI tools. Reasonable adjustments are available on request via [email protected].