Building Services Apprentice Management Trainee (site-based)

Wates Smartspace; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

Car allowance

Health & wellness programme

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Birthday Day off

Job summary

Wates is offering a Building Services Engineering Trainee programme in Birmingham, UK. You will learn through hands-on experience across the project lifecycle, from design to handover, while contributing to safe, sustainable and efficient building services.

The programme provides mentoring, structured training, and industry-recognised qualifications, with travel across project sites as required. A driving licence and GCSEs are required, with opportunities to pursue chartership.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above by September 2027.
• Two A-Levels at grade D or above (or equivalent) by September 2027.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of mechanical and electrical building services design, installation and maintenance.
• Review technical information, drawings and specifications with project teams.
• Research current technologies, sustainability initiatives and industry best practices.
• Monitor project progress, milestones and engineering deliverables.
• Assist in reviewing quality and compliance of installations by subcontractors.
• Gain understanding of testing, commissioning and handover activities.

Skills

Curious

Organised

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

GCSE Maths & English (Grade 4/C or above)

Two A-Levels (Grade D or above)

Full UK driving licence

Job description

About theopportunity:

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 theprogramme, 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 besuccessful, 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.

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, you’ll be enrolled onto a construction apprenticeship aligned to your programme, giving you the opportunity to gain an industry‑recognised qualification while developing practical skills on real projects.

You'll also benefitfrom 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

EntryRequirements

• By September 2027, you must have achieved Grade 4/C or above in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
• By September 2027, you must have achieved two A-Levels at Grade D or above (or equivalent).
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Location: Birmingham

For site based roles, please note that the location listed in this advert reflectsyour initial placement and may change throughout the programme depending on project and business requirements.

Important: TravelRequirements

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.

Pleasecarefully 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.

Applications close on 10 November 2026.

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
• We valueauthenticity 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.
• Only oneapplication will be accepted per recruitment year. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn.

About Wates

Established in 1897, we are one of the UK'sleading 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 inclusiveand 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.

Our commitments:

Wates is proud to be an employer where everyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we will be happy to support you. To discuss your requirements, please contact us at [e-mail].

Please note that some roles may require additional pre‑employment checks due to the nature of the work.