Location
London, Romford or Bedford. On site; 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 a Site Management Apprentice Trainee to join its 2026 trainee programme on construction sites. Based on site alongside experienced site managers and project teams, you’ll learn how construction projects are planned, coordinated and delivered from start to finish, safely, on time, on budget and to a high standard. You’ll help run day-to-day site activity, work closely with subcontractors and supply chain partners, and assist with planning and monitoring project programmes. You’ll also support quality inspections and site checks, take part in site meetings and progress reporting, and work with commercial teams and surveyors to see how costs are controlled. Along the way you’ll pick up construction methods and sequencing, use digital construction tools, and develop the leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed to manage teams on site. The programme includes a technical manual, behavioural workshops and short placements, and you’ll be enrolled on a construction apprenticeship leading to an industry-recognised qualification.

Experience
No previous experience is required. This is an entry-level apprenticeship 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 good relationships with clients, designers, consultants and colleagues, take ownership of your work, and act with integrity. You’ll bring a positive, solution-focused attitude, strong organisation, and a real commitment to health, safety and high standards. You must be willing to travel to different project sites across the region or nationally as needed.

Qualifications
By September 2027, you must have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), and two A-Levels at Grade D or above (or equivalent). Driving licence requirements vary by location:
London and Romford: full UK driving licence not required.
Bedford: full UK driving licence 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].