Planning Graduate Management Trainee (site-based)

Wates Smartspace; Bedford, Manchester, Sunderland; Remote; GBP 24,000 - 38,000; 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 is offering a Planning Management Trainee programme designed to develop skills in programming, monitoring and managing construction projects from tender through completion. Trainees will work with experienced planning professionals, gaining exposure to pre-construction and construction activities as they build technical and stakeholder management capabilities.

You will support development of project programmes, track milestones and help identify risks and opportunities affecting delivery,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree by Sept 2027 with 2:2 or above.
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Willingness to travel across project sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain construction programmes and schedules using planning software.
• Monitor project progress and track milestones.
• Identify risks or delays and support project controls.
• Analyse performance data and contribute to progress reports.
• Collaborate with project teams to reflect requirements in programmes.
• Attend site visits to gain practical insights into delivery methods.
• Support planning meetings and discuss progress and resource needs.

Skills

Passion for construction

Curious learner

Team player

Organised

Education

Bachelor’s degree (2:2 or above)

Tools

Planning software

Job description

About theopportunity

As aPlanning 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.

What You Will Do

Over the course of the programme, you will:

• Support the development and maintenance of construction programmes and schedules using industry-leading planning software.
• Assistwith monitoring project progress, tracking key milestones and identifying potential risks or delays to project delivery.
• Develop anunderstanding of planning principles, methodologies and best practice within the construction industry.
• Help analyseproject performance data and contribute to reports that support decision-making and project controls.
• Workclosely with project, design, commercial and delivery teams to ensure programmes reflect project requirements and objectives.
• Buildstrong working relationships with colleagues, clients, subcontractors and supply chain partners.
• Attend site visits to gain practical insight intoconstruction activities, sequencing and delivery methods.
• Support planning meetings and contribute to discussions around project progress, resource requirements and programme improvements.
• Develop anunderstanding of how effective planning supports safe, efficient and successful project delivery.

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, graduates who do not hold a degree in a construction-related subject will be enrolled onto a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship, providing additional learning and development to help accelerate your career in the built environment.

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 obtained a bachelor's degree with a predicted or achieved classification of 2:2 or above.
• Some opportunities require a degree subject related to this role.Please refer to the location requirements below for details.
• A full UK driving licence is required for ALL locations.

Locations

Manchester: Relevant degree not required

Bedford and Sunderland: you must have a degree relevant to this role

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.

Applications close on 10 November 2026

AboutWates

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.