This week, from 5 to 11 February, is National Apprenticeship Week 2024. This is an annual event that celebrates the value, benefit and opportunity that apprenticeships can offer to individuals, employers and the wider economy. The theme for this year is “Skills for Life”, which reflects how apprenticeships can help people develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.

At our company, we are proud to support apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on our business and our industry. We currently have one apprentice working with us, who is learning from our experienced and talented team. We also have several senior staff members who started their career with an apprenticeship and have progressed to become leaders in their fields.

One of them is Jack, our Principal Engineer, who is not only a brilliant Civil Engineer, and an experience Designated Project Engineer and Contractor Engineering Manager. 

Jack’s story is an inspiring example of how apprenticeships can provide skills for life, both professionally and personally. He shared his journey in a recent interview.

Why you chose to complete your apprenticeship? 

After doing my GCSE's I went to college to study business accounting but soon realised the classroom, and accountancy, wasn't for me. I therefore looked into getting an engineering apprenticeship to get some hands on experience whilst still earning a qualification. I hadn't planned to go into rail originally but once I found out more about the apprenticeship on offer I was keen to get into the industry.

What qualification did you obtain in the end? 

BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Technician Member of the ICE (EngTech MICE)

What were the benefits over "conventional route" ?

My apprenticeship enabled me to get a great mix of experience from drafting and designing to on site surveys and installation as I moved around various teams. I also had a wealth of knowledge on hand to help me with my studies and could implement my learning into reality right away. Plus no debt! 

How did you enjoy your time as an apprentice? 

I was lucky enough to undertake my apprenticeship alongside 2 other apprentices who were a year and 2 years 'above me'. This not only meant I had great support and never felt alone when having to study late, meet deadlines or coming up against difficulties, it also meant that we could arrange site trips, visits to other offices and most importantly socials! I was also fortunate enough to assist a number of experienced engineers throughout my apprenticeship all with varying backgrounds and experience that gave great variety.

How did it help shape your career? 

Being exposed to a variety of different roles and types of works during my early career enabled me to choose a career path that appealed to me most. Being in a working environment from a young age also helped grow my soft skills, from how to conduct yourself in a professional environment to decision making and leadership, all of which I still rely on today.

We are delighted to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024 and to recognise the achievements and contributions of our apprentices and former apprentices. We believe that apprenticeships are a great way to learn, grow and succeed in any field, and we encourage anyone who is interested to explore the opportunities available.

You can find more information and resources on the National Apprenticeship Week website or the National Careers Service website.

Thank you for reading and happy National Apprenticeship Week! 🎉Top of Form