Construction group Wates will close applications for its 2027 graduate and apprentice trainee programmes on 17 November 2026, giving hopefuls five days to apply for roles across the UK. The deadline applies to every trainee vacancy listed on the company's own careers site, and Wates warns that some roles may close earlier if application volumes are high.

Wates, one of the UK's leading family-owned construction, development and property maintenance companies, employs around 6,000 people and was founded in 1897. Trainees join a network of around 200 peers, learning and working together as they build their careers at the company.

Which roles are open

The graduate management trainee routes cover design, estimating, commercial, surveying, planning, building services, pre-construction, site management and design management. The apprentice management trainee routes cover planning, site management and building services. Roles are based in London, Warrington, Birmingham, Leeds, Sunderland, Manchester, Bedford, Guildford and other locations, although Wates says a first placement may change during the programme depending on project needs.

Graduate applicants must have obtained, or be on track for, a bachelor's degree at 2:2 or above by September 2027, and some roles require a degree in a relevant subject. Apprentice applicants must have achieved grade 4 or C and above in GCSE Maths and English, plus two A-levels at grade D or above, by September 2027. Some roles also require a full UK driving licence, and travel between project sites is an essential part of the programme.

What trainees get

Wates offers a competitive salary, private medical insurance, a car allowance, 26 days of holiday plus bank holidays and a birthday day off. Trainees receive mentoring, structured training, behavioural workshops and support towards industry-recognised qualifications and, where applicable, chartership. Graduates who do not hold a degree in a construction-related subject are enrolled onto a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship to build their technical knowledge.

The company asks applicants to complete their application without using AI tools, so it can gain a genuine understanding of each candidate's strengths and potential. Only one application is accepted per recruitment year, and any additional applications are automatically withdrawn.

How to apply

Applications are made through the Wates careers site, where each vacancy lists its location, entry requirements and closing date of 17 November 2026. Because Wates may close vacancies early when it receives a high volume of applications, candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline. Anyone needing reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process can contact the Wates recruitment team at watesrecruitment@peoplescout.co.uk.

Sources: Wates Careers, TARGETjobs