Organisations across our industry have been marking National Apprenticeship Week by speaking to the people at the centre of the celebrations: the apprentices themselves.
With National Highways looking to add a further 44 new apprentices to the 142 currently working with the road agency, it took a moment to speak to Ben Harrison, a former police officer turned apprentice data scientist, about his experience.
‘It felt like a now or never moment,' Mr Harrison said. ‘The apprenticeship has given me the chance to work towards a degree in data science while learning on the job. I've already delivered virtual work experience to over 2,000 young people and led work on sustainable AI principles. My past experience hasn't been lost, it only strengthens what I bring to the role.'
Another former National Highways apprentice also shared their thoughts; Miles Allibone-Dover, now a full-time assistant project manager, began his career in the industry as a Level 4 project management apprentice and is now lending his talents to the M54 to M6 link road project.
Mr Allibone-Dover said: ‘Apprenticeships gave me an accessible route into a fulfilling career. National Highways trusted me with real responsibility and supported me every step of the way.
‘The experience has been hugely rewarding, helping me grow from feeling timid to confidently taking on leadership opportunities.'
Transport for London (TfL) has also joined the festivities, with London's transport commissioner, Andy Lord, sharing his thoughts on the apprentices on offer:
'Our schemes, and those offered through our supply chain are a great way for people to get their footing in their chosen careers. Apprenticeships are for people of all ages - whether they're leaving school or looking to change career after several years - I encourage everyone to see the range of placements we have on offer to see if a new opportunity with us could work for them.'
Econ Engineering took the opportunity to highlight some of the upcoming opportunities it has on offer, including apprenticeships in mechanical and electrical engineering, vehicle assembly, CNC operation, fabrication and welding, as well as business administration.
Sustainable infrastructure company Hill and Smith marked the occasion by highlighting some of the benefits of investing in apprenticeships, with the company stating that it allows it to build tailored talent, strengthen its retention of staff, close some critical skill gaps in the sector, support innovation and bring in fresh ideas and diverse perspectives into the sector.
Another great opportunity to recognise the apprentices in our sector is the Highways Awards, taking place this year on 23 September in London. Last year's winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award, Maciej Kaczmarczyk, had this to say about what it meant to him to have his efforts as an apprentice at Kier Group recognised:
‘The biggest highlight of my experience is winning the Apprentice of the Year award at the Highways Awards. This has shown me that my effort and work have been recognised. Other highlights include getting the opportunity to manage my own bridge repair project from start to finish. This has given me so much knowledge and experience about problems during repairs, confidence and communication skills, project management and budget management skills; I love the critical thinking involved in managing a project.'
To nominate an apprentice (or other worthy recipient) for this year's awards, book a table or sponsor an award, click here.
