Commercial Apprentice Management Trainee (site-based)

Wates Group; Greater London; Presencial; GBP 26.000 - 34.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

Car allowance

Health & wellness programme

26 days holiday

Birthday Day off

Descripción de la vacante

Wates Group in the United Kingdom is offering a Commercial Management Trainee programme designed to develop a broad understanding of the commercial function within construction projects. You'll learn to balance cost, value and risk while supporting decision-making across the project lifecycle.

You'll work with experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience in managing costs, contracts and financial reporting, and undertake a construction apprenticeship with industry qualifications.

Formación

• GCSE Maths and English grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Two A-Levels at grade D or above (or equivalent).
• Interest in the built environment and project delivery.

Responsabilidades

• Assist in commercial reporting and contract documentation.
• Monitor costs and performance to support profitability.
• Develop understanding of contracts and commercial processes.
• Support subcontractor accounts, including valuations and payments.
• Forecast project costs, income and cash flow.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business.

Conocimientos

Passion for built environment

Curious and eager to learn

Strong communication & teamwork

Organised & proactive

Educación

GCSE Maths & English grade 4/C or above

Two A-Levels at grade D or above

Descripción del empleo

About the opportunity

As a Commercial Management Trainee, you will develop a broad understanding of the commercial function and the vital role it plays in the successful delivery of our projects. Working alongside experienced commercial professionals, you will gain hands- on experience in managing project costs, monitoring financial performance and supporting commercial decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

During the programme, you will learn how to balance cost, value and risk, helping to ensure projects are delivered profitably while meeting client expectations. You will work closely with a variety of teams across the business, building your commercial awareness and developing the skills needed for a successful career in commercial management.

What you will do

• Build effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, subcontractors and supply chain partners.

• Assist in the preparation, management and analysis of commercial reports, contracts and financial documentation to support project delivery.

• Monitor project costs and performance, helping to ensure projects remain commercially successful and aligned with budget expectations.

• Develop an understanding of contracts and commercial processes, helping to protect the financial interests of the business.

• Support the management of subcontractor accounts, including reviewing applications, valuations and payments.

• Learn how to identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Contribute to forecasting project costs, income and cash flow, helping teams make informed commercial decisions.

• Gain an understanding of how changes to project scope, programme or design can impact costs and project outcomes.

• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to develop a well-rounded understanding of commercial management within the industry.

• 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'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 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

To be eligible for this programme, you must:

• 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).

• For some locations, a full UK driving licence is required. Please refer to the location requirements below for further details.

Locations

• Cardiff - driving license is required
• London, Romford - driving license is not required

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,
• 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