Case Study

From intern to graduate: Sam’s journey to a career in construction

24 Aug. 2026

When Sam applied to Change 100, he was looking for more than work experience. Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), he wanted to understand whether a full-time career was achievable and how he could successfully manage his health condition in the workplace. 

At the time, Sam was studying History at university and was still exploring potential career paths. However, his health condition had significantly shaped his experiences and confidence about employment. 

Sam first developed ME/CFS after contracting glandular fever at the age of 11. While his symptoms gradually improved, a Covid infection in 2021 triggered a relapse, forcing him to interrupt his university studies and focus on his recovery. 

As he began considering life after university, the prospect of full-time employment felt uncertain. 

"The idea of working full-time seemed very far out of reach," he says. "I wanted work experience, but I didn't feel confident that a typical placement would have the support I needed." 

That changed when he secured a Change 100 internship with construction company, Wates. 

Joining the business as a Bid Management Intern, Sam worked on a range of meaningful projects. His responsibilities included developing a library of project case studies, supporting client reporting and reviewing the company's marketing and bid materials. 

One project stood out. As someone with no previous construction experience, Sam was asked to review Wates' marketing approach and offer an outsider's perspective. His recommendations were so well received that he was invited to present them to senior marketing leaders across the organisation. 

"It felt like I was doing something meaningful," he says. "People were genuinely interested in my ideas and keen to take them forward." 

The internship also opened his eyes to the breadth of opportunities available within the construction industry. 

"Before joining Wates, I thought construction was mainly engineering and site-based roles," he explains. "I discovered careers in marketing, bid writing, social value and communications. There was so much variety that I had never considered before." 

Just as important as the work itself was the support he received. Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and adjusted hours, gave him the flexibility to manage his energy levels and health effectively. 

"From day one, the message was simple: tell us what you need and we'll work around it," he says. 

By the end of the internship, Sam had gained something even more valuable than professional experience: confidence. 

"The main confidence I gained was knowing I could manage full-time work with the right adjustments in place. Before the internship, I wasn't sure that was possible." 

The experience was so positive that Sam applied for the Wates graduate scheme and successfully secured a place. Today, he works as a Bid Management Trainee, helping to develop bid strategies, coordinate specialist teams and write proposals for major projects. 

Alongside his day-to-day role, he has completed placements across different areas of the business. 

Beyond his role at Wates, Sam has remained closely involved with Change 100 as a member of its Alumni Ambassador Board. Passionate about disability inclusion and employment support, he values the opportunity to support other disabled students and graduates. 

One highlight was participating in a House of Lords Public Services Committee roundtable, where he shared his lived experience to help inform discussions around policy and public services. 

"It showed the value of bringing different perspectives into decision-making," he says. "Policies work best when they're informed by the people actually living those experiences." 

Looking back, Sam believes Change 100 has had a transformative impact on both his confidence and career. 

"Change 100 gave me a safe space to learn how to manage my condition in the workplace and realise what was possible. It also introduced me to an industry and a career that I would never have considered otherwise." 

Beth Smythe, Wates Construction, says:  

"The impact of this partnership has gone far beyond providing internship opportunities. We've had the privilege of working alongside incredibly engaged and talented young people, each bringing fresh perspectives and valuable contributions to our teams. At the same time, we've been able to highlight the breadth of careers available within construction, many of which people may never have considered.  

Too often, assumptions are made about what a career in construction looks like, or who belongs in the industry. Our ongoing relationship with Change 100 helps challenge those perceptions, opening doors to opportunities that may otherwise go unseen." 

What began as an opportunity to test whether work was achievable has become the foundation of a successful and rewarding career for Sam. 

Learn more about Change 100.