RELATED SERVICES
Construction
Passionate about building a better tomorrow for everybody.
As a family business operating for more than 125 years, our experience is unrivalled, whether it’s building homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals or sports centres. We work as a major contractor across the UK with both public and private sector customers, to create buildings with real impact. We also provide fit out services to customers across the UK, improving our customers’ buildings, boosting their value and making them better spaces to be in. As with everything we do, our work is always of the highest standard.
average project value (2023)
working hours saved using modern methods of construction
projects under construction
Working in both public and private sectors
Our approach
![Using offsite manufacturing we can improve productivity, efficiency and safety in construction](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/R_210127_N74_hires-375x250.jpg)
Offsite Manufacturing
Using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction we can improve quality, productivity and efficiency.
![Using offsite manufacturing we can improve productivity, efficiency and safety in construction](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/R_210127_N74_hires-375x250.jpg)
![Havering pop up business school](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/13834_N385_hires-375x233.jpg)
Social value
Social value is all about making a positive change in our communities, something we've been committed to from the start.
![Havering pop up business school](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/13834_N385_hires-375x233.jpg)
![Using building information modelling and digital engineering to build for the future](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/R_200902_N7_hires-375x237.jpg)
Building Technology
We transform environments using technology, innovation and next level engineering to drive efficiency and sustainability.
![Using building information modelling and digital engineering to build for the future](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/R_200902_N7_hires-375x237.jpg)
![Abbeygate 6th Form College, Bury St Edmunds](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Abbeygate-College-1-375x205.jpg)
Adapt Zero
Our innovative ‘Adapt Zero’ model of school construction is changing the way we build schools.
![Abbeygate 6th Form College, Bury St Edmunds](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Abbeygate-College-1-375x205.jpg)
![Major Projects](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Canada-water-Future-of-innovation-Major-Projects-375x165.jpg)
Major Projects
The newly established Major Projects Division stands as a testament to our commitment to ‘Empowering Tomorrow’
![Major Projects](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Canada-water-Future-of-innovation-Major-Projects-375x165.jpg)
Supporting society
We take our role in society very seriously and strive to help enrich the communities we work in, by generating social value across all our activities.
This includes programmes such as educating young people about careers in the built environment, or mentoring small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as contributing to local charities and good causes.
Optimised construction
Construction isn’t just about the materials we use, it’s also about exploiting modern techniques to give our customers the best experience.
Using optimised construction, we can improve efficiency, provide better value for money and save you time. More importantly this approach helps to create a safer working environment for everyone.
Sustainable supply chains
Having sustainable supply chains is more important than ever. We are not just committed to our own sustainability journey but also to helping our suppliers meet their own environmental targets.
We are focused on reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions from the materials we use such as concrete and steel. We also work closely with our suppliers to adopt low and zero carbon alternatives to the products we use.
From commercial to retail, hospitality to healthcare, our projects speak for themselves.
![Sandwell Aquatics Centre](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/502034_N47_hires_1920-375x187.jpg)
Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Smethwick
Delivering a world class sporting venue and a community legacy. Sandwell Aquatics Centre has been built to host one of the largest international sporting events of 2022.
Sport and Leisure![We collaborate with our customers, working on sustainable, innovative designs that transform retail spaces](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/R_221214_N37_medium_deep-375x205.jpg)
Marks & Spencer stores fit out
We have been working for Marks & Spencer (M&S) for over 20 years, delivering over 1,000 store refurbishment and fit out projects across the M&S full range of stores, including clothing & home and foodhalls.
Retail and the high street![Oxford university life and mind building](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/LaMb-1-375x268.jpg)
Life and Mind Building – University of Oxford
The Life & Mind building will be the ‘largest building project ever undertaken’ by the University of Oxford.
Science and Technology![Wellington Place high quality commercial office development in Leeds](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/511253_N20_medium-375x250.jpg)
11 and 12 Wellington Place, Leeds
The intention for 11 & 12 Wellington Place was to create two landmark buildings in the heart of Leeds City Centre.
Commercial![Imperial College London](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Imperial-College-London-Fit-out-375x211.jpg)
Imperial College London
We recently transformed the Sir Michael Uren building at Imperial College London (ICL) over an 11-week programme.
EducationKey contacts
![](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bradley-ashcroft-wates-construction-375x211.jpg)
Bradley Ashcroft
Business Development South (SE / SW)
![Nicola Willbye](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nicola-Willbye-375x209.jpg)
Nicola George
Business Development South (Oxford / Cambridge)
![Steve Yates](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/STEVE-YATES-375x340.jpg)
Steve Yates
Business Development (London)
![Freddie Whitehead, Business Development Manager, North](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/freddie-whitehead-375x340.jpg)
Freddie Whitehead
Business Development (North East and Yorkshire)
![Kate Wyatt](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kate-Wyatt-New-1-375x209.jpg)
Kate Wyatt
Business Development (Healthcare)
![Ekaterina Sidyakova, Business Development Director, Fit out and refurbishment](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ekaterina-Sidyakova-375x209.jpg)
Ekaterina Sidyakova
Fit out and Refurbishment
CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AT WATES
Want to be part of our team?
![](https://www.wates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/image-86-375x500.png)
Apprentice Planner
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 04-03-2025
Whether you're just starting out or looking for a fresh challenge, this is your chance to gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and make an impact from day one. Apply today! We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Apprentice Planner. This role will give you the experience of working on a busy construction site as well as studying on a day release basis to achieve a level 3 apprenticeship qualification. Capturing the knowledge and experience of a qualified electrician to understand the trade, your daily tasks will include, but not limited to installation, maintenance and repair of electrical servicesMain Accountabilities:As an Apprentice Planner you will support the planning, design, and installation of building systems, including electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems.Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below Assist in the design and installation of building services systems, including HVAC, lighting, plumbing, and electrical systems. Provide technical support to senior engineers and project managers. Carry out site surveys and assessments to determine client requirements. Prepare technical drawings and documentation using AutoCAD or other relevant software. Ensure all work complies with relevant regulations and standards. Perform system testing and commissioning activities. Provide ongoing maintenance and support for building systems. Work collaboratively with other team members and external contractors.You will attend college one day a week and work towards a Level 3 apprenticeship in Building Services EngineeringDriving license desirable but not essential.Desired skills & Qualities: You will need to be able to cope with the physical demands of the role Health and safety conscious Capable of working in a team 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. A problem solver with the ability to think logically. Possess good time management skills. Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines. Strong motivation to work hard and to a high standard to succeed in this roleQualifications:4 GCSEs at grade 4 and above including Maths and English.You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.
Commercial Apprentice
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 04-03-2025
If you're passionate, driven, and ready to take your career to the next level, we want to hear from you! We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a Commercial Apprentice. This role will give you the experience of working on busy construction sites and offices, as well as studying on a day release basis to achieve a level 3 apprenticeship qualification. Capturing the knowledge and experience of a qualified building services team to understand the trade, your daily tasks will include, but not limited to, supporting the commercial and operational teams in the North West.Main Accountabilities:As a Commercial Apprentice you will be responsible for supporting the building services teams with estimating, quantity surveying, planning, design and operational site roles. You will interpret, analyse, contribute, and directly assist construction contracting professionals working with a wide range of projects, regularly interacting with internal and external customers.Apprentices will learn: Appropriate construction principles, mathematical and technical knowledge of site technologies such as methods used to design, plan, build or maintain built environment projects. Statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures and regulations, including safe working practices and how to comply with them. Workplace health, safety and welfare requirements including site and office-based protocols and legislation. Use of appropriate construction terminology during verbal and written communications. The different types of built environment contracts, project documentation, technical drawings and procurement processes in order to support the production of resource lists. Appropriate digital construction processes and systems and their use in the sector such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) or other computer-based software packages. Project tendering, measurement and costing systems to assist with the planning of schedules of work and to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site Equality, diversity and inclusion, and its impact on built environment solutions. Appropriate surveying methods and techniques used to develop information to contribute to the measurement, evaluation and review of project performance. The code of conduct of relevant professional bodies and institutions and their professional obligation to make a contribution to society. Ethical principles as applied to construction and the built environment. Written communication techniques and the production of technical reports.Information technology: Management Information Systems (MIS), Microsoft packages, virtual communication, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), cyber security.Responsibilities include but are not limited to the below Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the requirements of a project are met, ensuring records of the communications are kept in line with company processes. Ensure accurate contractual records are kept in relation to the planning of projects. Support the implementation of appropriate contract quantities and cost monitoring systems to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site. Support the progress of construction projects, recommending and proposing revisions of programmes and assisting with the planning of schedules of work. Support the procurement of project materials, plant and sub-contractors. Identify the suitability of health and safety documentation, including risk assessments and method statements, to assist in ensuring sufficient planning has been carried out for tasks to be completed safely.Construction Support Technician apprentices will attend Leeds College of Building and will complete a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction and Built Environment (CBE) on day-release alongside working in industry for the remainder of the week undertaking 20% off-the-job training.Driving license desirable but not essential.Desired skills & Qualities: Numerical skills Good communication skills Health and safety conscious Capable of working in a team 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 A problem solver with the ability to think logically Good time management skills Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines Strong motivation to work hard and to a high standard to succeed in this roleQualifications:4 GCSEs at grade 4 and above including Maths and English.You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.
Electrician Apprentice
Location: Yorkshire and Humberside
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 04-03-2025
We believe in empowering young talent to grow and thrive. If you're passionate, eager to learn, and excited about the future, we want to hear from you!We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Electrician Apprentice. This role will give you the experience of working on a busy construction site as well as studying on a block release basis to achieve a level 3 apprenticeship qualification. Capturing the knowledge and experience of a qualified electrician to understand the trade, your daily tasks will include, but not limited to installation, maintenance and repair of electrical servicesMain AccountabilitiesResponsibilities include but are not limited to the belowAs an Electrician Apprentice you will work alongside an experienced tradesperson to gain experience in the following areas: Work indoors and outdoors and be prepared to sometimes work at height. Working with a mentor & supervisor but also an ability to rely on their own initiative. Be prepared to travel away from home. Develop good working relationships with people. Read both building and engineering drawings. Understand wiring and circuit diagrams. Select (within limits) materials and equipment. Inspect and test electrical installations. Diagnose and rectify faults on a range of circuits and equipment. Write reports.You will attend college on a block release basis and work towards a Level 3 apprenticeship in Electrical Installation.Driving license desirable but not essential as travel will be required.Desired skills & Qualities: You will need to be able to cope with the physical demands of the role. Health and safety conscious and at the forefront of all activities. Capable of working in a team. Be passionate about a career in the built environment. Be excited and have a desire to learn and develop new skills. Have a curious nature. Be reliable and professional. A practical problem solver with the ability to think logically. Possess good time management skills. Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines. Strong motivation to work hard and to a high standard to succeed in this roleQualifications:To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and EnglishYou must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.
Electrician Apprentice
Location: Manchester
Job Type: Trades and Labour
Application Deadline: 04-03-2025
Whether you're just starting out or looking for a fresh challenge, this is your chance to gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and make an impact from day one. Apply today!We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Electrician Apprentice. This role will give you the experience of working on a busy construction site as well as studying on a block release basis to achieve a level 3 apprenticeship qualification. Capturing the knowledge and experience of a qualified electrician to understand the trade, your daily tasks will include, but not limited to installation, maintenance and repair of electrical servicesMain Accountabilities:Responsibilities include but are not limited to the belowAs an Electrician Apprentice you will work alongside an experienced tradesperson to gain experience in the following areas: Work indoors and outdoors and be prepared to sometimes work at height. Working with a mentor & supervisor but also an ability to rely on their own initiative. Be prepared to travel away from home. Develop good working relationships with people. Read both building and engineering drawings. Understand wiring and circuit diagrams. Select (within limits) materials and equipment. Inspect and test electrical installations. Diagnose and rectify faults on a range of circuits and equipment. Write reports.You will attend college on a block release basis and work towards a Level 3 apprenticeship in Electrical Installation.Driving license desirable but not essential as travel will be required.Desired skills & Qualities: You will need to be able to cope with the physical demands of the role. Health and safety conscious and at the forefront of all activities. Capable of working in a team. Be passionate about a career in the built environment. Be excited and have a desire to learn and develop new skills. Have a curious nature. Be reliable and professional. A practical problem solver with the ability to think logically. Possess good time management skills. Prioritise your work to meet agreed deadlines. Strong motivation to work hard and to a high standard to succeed in this roleQualifications:To be considered for this apprenticeship you will need to have achieved a Grade 4 or C and above in Maths and EnglishYou must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship in a similar subject.
Get in touch
To get in touch with us, simply fill in the form below and we’ll get right back to you.