Commercial Management Trainee Review
at Wates
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
Cambridge
Review Submitted: January 2023
Overall Rating
3.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am currently working on the development of new houseblocks and additional buildings within three separate prisons. My day to day role includes reviewing drawings and specifications and measuring and estimating the materials and works needed for different packages to work out what they are going to cost. I liaise with my manager and other departments within Wates to discuss drawings and I communicate with subcontractors externally to make enquiries and get quotes from them for completing the works required.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy working on new tasks everyday and learning about different aspects of a construction project. It has been enjoyable to have a range of tasks and to be able to visit different sites that Wates are currently working on to experience a live construction environment and be able to picture how my work relates to that.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have learnt how to use new software to assist with my work such as blubeam, which is a great tool where you can accurately measure drawings using multiple units of measurement such as volume, area, length etc. I have also developed my knowledge of excel and am comfortable compiled different worksheets using different formats.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It is well organised. I am completing a HNC construction course in quantity surveying which is done on block release, whilst gaining on the job experience alongside. I also undertake different training programmes that have been organised for all of the trainees such as behavioural workshops and mental health training.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I receive lots of support from my employer, whether that be through on the job support and advise form my line manager, additional training and time set aside to complete my college work. I also receive support from a training buddy, which is someone that has been assigned to me by Wates who has previously gone through the training programme themselves.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I receive support from my training provider in the form of assistance when completing assignments. I am able to ask my lecture questions and discuss parts of the assignment with them, which helps to gain a better understanding and develops more confidence that I can produce a good standard of work for the assignment.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I have only so far done one module of my course but through it I have gained a foundation of knowledge in construction methods and processes, which help me to understand what I am working on in my role. I believe that this will continue as I progress through the course.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There have been networking events where all the trainees have attended so it was a positive experience to be able to meet them and discuss their experiences throughout the trainee programme so far. I have also been to internal Wates events such as a commercial day in London, where all the commercial employees from my region met up.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Wates to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because they provide a good standard of apprenticeship where you can develop on the job experience and earn a degree without cost to yourself. They are a very large company so there is lots of support and many people with years of experience that you are able to learn off.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Wates?
I would advise that they research into the construction industry and how their specific role plays a part in that. I would also advise that they research the history of Wates and also undertake some research in order to ascertain what kind of projects Wates are currently working on and what they have worked on previously.
