Graduate Developments Management Trainee Programme

About this role

As a Developments Management Trainee at Wates, you'll support the Projects and Land functions of the business and gain hands-on experience collaborating with a wide range of professionals, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, solicitors and subcontractors. You'll be involved in a wide range of activities including land appraisals, site investigations, market research, supporting with bids and interviews on new land opportunities.

What you will do

Over the course of the programme, you will:

• Produce regular reports of appraisals for new land opportunities.

• Briefing, appointing, instructing and managing external consultant teams both pre- and post-planning.

• Support with the preparation and submission of planning applications. This will include pre-application consultation with the local authority and other key partners.

• Liaise with and support the management of key stakeholders, which could include Wates and partnership boards, senior members of the Wates business and partner businesses, and the local communities in which we operate.

• Support with relevant representations to local authorities regarding the promotion of sites.

• Undertake land management reviews on a periodic basis and action required physical works or legal actions.

About you

To be successful on the programme you'll:

• Be passionate about a career in the built environment.

• Be excited to learn and develop new skills.

• Have a curious nature.

• Be reliable and professional.

• Be a problem solver with the ability to think logically.

• Possess good time management skills.

• Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for this opportunity, you must:

• Be on track to graduate in 2026 or earlier with a degree in any discipline.

• Be working towards or have achieved a minimum 2:2 classification.

• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Programme duration

This is a 2-year graduate programme offering hands-on experience, structured development, and placements across different teams.

What's in it for you?

Our Trainee Management Programme offers placement opportunities across various departments, technical and behavioural development, including support through relevant qualifications and a host of additional benefits. We provide the foundation skills, knowledge and experience you'll need to build a long-term, successful career.

In addition, we offer:

• Mentoring, support, and training by industry experts.

• Structured learning plan (a combination of technical and behavioural development).

• Competitive salary.

• Private medical insurance.

• Car allowance / company car scheme.

• Health & wellness programme.

• 26 days holiday + bank holidays.

• For cognate degree trainees: Opportunity to work towards chartered status with a recognised professional body.

• For non-cognate degree trainees: Completion of a construction related Level 4 qualification.

We have nearly 200 talented Trainees currently completing our Trainee Management Programme, providing amazing opportunities to build a network, collaborate and share learning with your peers. Kickstart your journey and apply now!

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.

Applications for this role close at midday on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

This date may be brought forward or extended in line with the number of applications we receive. We're only able to accept the first application we receive. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn.