Graduate Student Planner

About Wates 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’re 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.

About The Opportunity 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.

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.
• 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.

About You 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.

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.

Location : London - Omni House Kilburn

For site-based roles, 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.

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you!

Applications close on 10th November 2026.

A Few Things To Consider Before You Apply

• 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.
• Some vacancies might close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible
• Only one application will be accepted per recruitment year. Any additional applications will be automatically withdrawn.