Building Services Apprentice Management Trainee (site-based)

Wates Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Car allowance

Health & wellness programme

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Birthday Day off

Job summary

Wates Group is offering a Building Services Engineering Trainee programme in Birmingham. You will learn the design, installation and management of mechanical and electrical services, gaining hands-on experience across the full project lifecycle from design through to handover.

You will work with experienced teams to review drawings, learn testing and commissioning, and develop technical and behavioural skills through mentoring, workshops and qualifications.

Qualifications

• By September 2027, achieve GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.
• By September 2027, achieve two A-Levels at Grade D or above.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of how mechanical and electrical building services are designed, coordinated, installed and maintained throughout a project's lifecycle.
• Review technical information, drawings and specifications to support delivery of high-quality building services solutions.
• Research current and emerging technologies and sustainability initiatives to identify efficient solutions.
• Assist in monitoring project progress, milestones and engineering deliverables.
• Assist in reviewing quality and compliance of mechanical and electrical installations carried out by subcontractors and supply chain partners.
• Gain understanding of testing, commissioning and handover activities for building services systems.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Planning, Design Management and Site Management teams to understand project planning and delivery.
• Develop knowledge of health, safety and environmental requirements in building services engineering.
• Build strong technical, communication and problem-solving skills through practical experience and mentoring.
• Complete a technical manual, workshops and placements to gain required knowledge.

Education

GCSE Maths & English (Grade 4/C+)

2 A-Levels (Grade D+)

Tools

Full UK driving licence

Job description

About the opportunity

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 the programme, 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 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.

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 will 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 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

Entry Requirements

• 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 reflects your initial placement and may change throughout the programme depending on project and business requirements.

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.

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 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.
• Only one application will be accepted per recruitment year. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn.

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.

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.

Applications close on 10 November 2026.