Planning Apprentice Management Trainee (site-based)
Wates Group
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Wates Group in Birmingham invites applications for a Planning Management Trainee to help plan and coordinate delivery across a range of construction projects. You will learn how programmes are programmed, monitored and managed from tender through completion, while gaining practical site exposure.
The programme combines on-the-job experience with site visits, structured development and an industry-recognised apprenticeship, supported by mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Qualifications
- By September 2027, GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
- Two A-Levels at Grade D or above (or equivalent).
- Interest in planning and construction sectors.
Responsibilities
- Support development and maintenance of construction programmes using planning software.
- Monitor progress against milestones and identify risks or delays.
- Analyse project performance data to support decisions and controls.
- Collaborate with project, design, commercial and delivery teams.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
As a Planning Management Trainee at Wates, you'll play an important role in helping to plan and coordinate the successful delivery of a wide range of construction projects. Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you'll gain exposure to both pre-construction and construction activities, learning how projects are programmed, monitored and managed from initial tender through to completion.
As a Planning Management Trainee at Wates, you'll play an important role in helping to plan and coordinate the successful delivery of a wide range of construction projects. Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you'll gain exposure to both pre-construction and construction activities, learning how projects are programmed, monitored and managed from initial tender through to completion.
You'll support the development of project programmes, track progress against key milestones, and help identify risks and opportunities that could impact delivery. Through a combination of on-the-job experience, site visits and structured development, you'll build the technical, analytical and stakeholder management skills needed for a successful career in construction planning.
- Support the development and maintenance of construction programmes and schedules using industry-leading planning software.
- Assist with monitoring project progress, tracking key milestones and identifying potential risks or delays to project delivery.
- Develop an understanding of planning principles, methodologies and best practice within the construction industry.
- Help analyse project performance data and contribute to reports that support decision-making and project controls.
- Work closely with project, design, commercial and delivery teams to ensure programmes reflect project requirements and objectives.
- Build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, subcontractors and supply chain partners.
- Attend site visits to gain practical insight into construction activities, sequencing and delivery methods.
- Support planning meetings and contribute to discussions around project progress, resource requirements and programme improvements.
- Develop an understanding of how effective planning supports safe, efficient and successful project delivery.
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.
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.
- Competitive salary
- Private medical insurance
- Car allowance
- Health & wellness programme
- 26 days holiday + bank holidays
- Birthday Day off
- 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 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.
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.
Applications close on 10 November 2026.
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 are 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.
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 watesrecruitment@peoplescout.co.uk.
Please note that some roles may require additional pre-employment checks due to the nature of the work.
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