Apprentice Student Planner

WATES; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company is seeking a Planning Management Trainee in Leeds. The role involves developing construction plans and schedules for various projects, supporting the Planning function, and gaining hands-on experience. Ideal candidates will have enthusiasm for the built environment, good problem-solving skills, and meet educational requirements including GCSEs and A-Levels. This 3-year apprenticeship offers trade qualifications and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Car allowance / company car scheme

Health & wellness programme

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Mentoring and training by industry experts

Qualifications

• Must have a curious nature and be excited to learn.
• Reliable and professional in approach.
• Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Utilise specialist software to develop programmes and schedules.
• Support the Planning function to ensure programme execution.
• Monitor project lifecycle including key milestones and risks.

Skills

Passionate about built environment

Problem-solving skills

Good time management

Education

Minimum of 2 A-Levels at grade D or above

GCSE Maths and English grade 4/C or above

Job description

The Vacancy

As a Planning Management Trainee at Wates, you’ll be given the fantastic opportunity to be part of both preconstruction and construction project teams as they develop construction plans and programmes across a wide range of construction projects including leisure centres, schools, high rise developments, prisons, hospitals, offices and more.

What you will do

Over the course of the programme, you will:

• Utilise the very latest specialist software to develop programmes and schedules required for large scale construction projects.
• Support the Planning function to ensure each programme is executed to the highest standard.
• Become familiar with the planning process and best practice guidance.
• Monitor and report of project lifecycle including key milestones and risk management.
• Actively build strong working relationships with the team, clients, subcontractors and peers.
• Gain first hand insight through site visits to understand building services installations and output levels.

About you

To be successful on the programme you’ll:

• Be passionate about a career in the built environment.
• Be excited to learn and develop new skills.
• Have a curious nature.
• Be reliable and professional.
• Be a problem solver with the ability to think logically.
• Possess good time management skills.
• Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines.

Entry requirements

• You must have achieved grade 4/C or above in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent). and,
• You must have obtained or be working towards a minimum of 2 A-Levels at grade D or above, or an equivalent qualification, such as:
• Level 3 NVQ.
• BTEC.
• T-Level.
• Or other comparable Level 3 qualifications.

Locations

• Leeds
• Leicester
• Sunderland

Programme duration

This is a 3-year apprenticeship programme, combining practical experience with formal training. You’ll work towards a Level 4 qualification while gaining hands-on experience in the industry.

What’s in it for you?

Our Trainee Management Programme offers placement opportunities across various departments, technical and behavioural development, including support through relevant qualifications and a host of additional benefits. We provide the foundation skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need to build a long-term successful career.

In addition, we offer:

• Mentoring, support, and training by industry experts.
• Structured learning plan (a combination of technical and behavioural development).
• Competitive salary.
• Private medical insurance.
• Car allowance / company car scheme.
• Health & wellness programme.
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Completion of a construction related Level 4 qualification.

We have nearly 200 talented Trainees currently completing our Trainee Management Programme, providing amazing opportunities to build a network, collaborate and share learning with your peers. Kickstart your journey and apply now!

We value authenticity and encourage you to complete your application without the use of AI tools. This helps us gain a genuine understanding of your individual strengths, experiences, and potential.

Applications for this role close at midday on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

This date may be brought forward or extended in line with the number of applications we receive. We’re only able to accept the first application we receive. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn.

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.