Different routes into the construction industry

Still not convinced about the value of apprenticeships and mentoring opportunities? Meet some of those who have taken this path in the industry.

Around 1.4 million young people (aged 16-24) are currently considering a career in the industry, according to housebuilder Redrow’s annual research. In its survey, 46% of respondents believe apprenticeships are the best way for them to get onto the career ladder; for 29%, the cost-of-living crisis has been a large factor in deciding against university. Earning money straight away (30%) and earning a salary while studying/training (28%) are the key reasons why young people would opt for an apprenticeship over university.

Redrow’s research showed that interest in construction continues to rise year-on-year among young people, with a 4% increase over the past two years. It also shows shifting perceptions among parents, with 66% saying they would encourage their child to pursue an apprenticeship in 2025, versus 29% of parents in 2023. 

While this suggests progress, figures from the Home Builders Federation reveal that for every 10,000 homes built the industry needs to recruit 30,000 new workers. Concerningly, 20% of the homebuilding workforce is currently aged over 50. With the industry experiencing a skills crisis, encouraging younger generations into the sector through alternative avenues such as apprenticeships has never been more important.

As Redrow’s Martin Gilpin notes: “Our research indicates there is still much work to be done, particularly when it comes to challenging perceptions in construction. Our upcoming apprenticeships include not only traditional trade roles, but also office positions across commercial, planning and design. The housebuilding industry plays a crucial role in our society and encouraging people into all parts of the industry via the likes of apprenticeships is critical to its future success.”

For more on Redrow’s survey, visit b.link/Redrow_apprentices

There are CABE-accredited apprenticeship courses at the University of Westminster, the University of Wolverhampton, the University College of Estate Management and Sheffield Hallam University. If you are interested in offering mentoring or apprenticeship opportunities in your workplace, please visit b.link/CABE_AcademicPartners for a list of CABE Academic partners

Covid crossroads

When Covid-19 disrupted her A Levels, Lily Frewin faced a choice. “When my A Level exams got cancelled, my dad suggested an apprenticeship in construction management. I had never thought about construction. I just thought it was dirty, not very glamorous and male-dominated – and it is. But there is so much more to it than that: the knowledge, the techniques, the materials and the relationships, as massive teams are required for projects.”

Frewin did a Higher Apprenticeship in construction management. Four years on, she is an Assistant Site Manager for Kier West and Wales. “My role is out on-site ensuring that sub-contractors can do their jobs without any hindrances and that we are working to the programme safely, to the required specification, and operating as per company standards and the clients’ expectations.”

Clear career path

Thomas Henderson joined West Fraser as an apprentice, as well as undertaking day release at Forth Valley College in Falkirk. “I had the privilege of working alongside experts within the company, who offered me invaluable guidance and mentorship, helping me to grow professionally and personally,” he says.

His mentor, Michael Scott-Ramsay, adds: “To witness Thomas developing from an inexperienced young person into the hardworking and conscientious professional that he is today, and to be part of that journey, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my time at the company.

“Having finished his apprenticeship (Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Processing Industries Operations Controlling Processes and Operations at SCQF), Thomas has begun a full-time job with West Fraser on our particleboard press, which is one of the most demanding jobs in the Cowie plant because of the monitoring involved.

Skills for life

Amey is currently supporting 570 apprentices, highlighting the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available to people of all ages.

Annabelle Farrington is in the third year of the Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship at Amey. She says: “I chose an apprenticeship because I learn best through hands-on experience and wanted to see how my university studies translate into real-world impact. By the time my apprenticeship is complete, I’ll already have a few years of industry experience – setting me apart from other graduates and accelerating my career.”

Naomi O’Neill, Head of Digital Skills & IT Governance and Level 7 Senior Leader Apprentice at Amey, says: “I had been considering further study for some time as part of my personal development and an apprenticeship provided the ideal opportunity.

“The flexibility and financial viability of the apprenticeship route made it an attractive choice, allowing me to pursue a master’s qualification while directly applying my learning to my role. I can already see the impact of learning from others and integrating new strategies into my work.”

Charlie Hudson, former Associate Project Management apprentice at Amey, says: “Choosing an apprenticeship over university was an easy decision as I was looking for real-world experience, career progression and financial independence. The apprenticeship gave me a two-year head start, allowing me to develop key skills in project management, contract oversight and risk analysis while building strong industry relationships.

“Since completing my apprenticeship, I’ve been promoted to Assistant Project Manager and plan to continue my development, potentially through a degree or master’s apprenticeship.”

New ideas, new energy

Pen Le Kelly, CPI Communication and Engagement Manager, is on a Level 5 Women in Leadership apprenticeship. She says the programme’s wider significance had personal and professional benefits. “While the apprenticeship follows the requirements of the Operational and Departmental Management course, it has the bonus of teaching about the challenges women can face in leadership roles and how to overcome them. I’m nine months into this 18-month course and learning a lot of useful ideas I can bring to my role in CPI.”

Stuart Russell, a colleague at CPI EuroMix, agrees: “The construction industry urgently needs to attract a new generation of skilled workers. In doing so, it’s important to remember that as well as being a great opportunity for trainees, apprenticeships benefit the employer in so many ways. Trainees bring new ideas, attitudes and energy to the workplace. They are the future, and with our support they will lead construction’s evolution as a smarter, more sustainable industry.”

Bridging education and employment

Clare Bonthrone joined Wates five years ago as a Level 7 Accountancy Apprentice, and has since become a Finance Manager. She says: “[It] gave me the opportunity to learn technical skills, and earn my CIMA [Chartered Institute of Management Accountants] qualification and progress to contributing to projects. Wates’ supportive culture, from mentors to hands-on placements, helped me build confidence, discover my strengths and progress. Apprenticeships bridge education and employment, creating opportunities for meaningful careers.” 

Lewis Drury was initially unsure about his career path and discovered quantity surveying while researching roles in the construction industry at college. Over the course of his apprenticeship, he gained exposure to every stage of the construction process, from pre-contract planning to on-site management and project handovers. He has since graduated from university and is now working towards RICS chartership.

He says: “Apprenticeships are invaluable – they offer so much more than a qualification. My journey as a Quantity Surveying Apprentice at Wates has blended hands-on experience with structured learning in a way that traditional university routes don’t provide. I’ve learnt more about the construction process in practice, from planning to project delivery. The apprenticeship has opened so many doors, allowing me to build vital skills and gain new connections.”

And don’t forget mentoring

Five quantity surveying students at Birmingham City University (BCU) are being mentored by Court Collaboration, the company constructing Birmingham’s tallest building – the 155-metre-tall One Eastside on James Watt Queensway. “It’s an honour to help nurture some of the next generation of professionals in this way,” says Court Collaboration CEO Alex Neale, a BCU graduate himself.

The students are undertaking final-year dissertations that closely align with critical issues in the construction and housing sectors. These include the UK housing crisis, off-site manufacturing, cost assurance in construction, regulatory compliance and contract management in social housing refurbishment. The students presented their research scope to Court Collaboration, and were then matched with mentors who will provide insights and access to data, facilitate interviews and guide them in shaping their dissertations to address real-world challenges.

“This collaboration develops mutual learning,” says Dr Saeed Talebi, Associate Professor in BCU’s College of Built Environment. “Mentors gain fresh perspectives from the students’ research. Our students will develop crucial problem-solving skills – finding innovative ways to address complex, practical problems – that will prepare them for future professional roles.”

BCU and Court Collaboration have already created a virtual 3D model or ‘digital twin’ of the skyscraper that will use AI to analyse data from air quality and energy consumption sensors to keep the residents of the 667 apartments safe and healthy.

Student Ria Curtis will focus her project on social housing repairs and maintenance. “Working on a business brief will allow me to deepen my understanding of real-world challenges and develop my experience in the workplace,” she says. “The combination of academic learning and practical application on my course is equipping me with the tools I need to take on greater responsibilities. I’m gaining the critical leadership and strategic thinking skills for my aspirations to become a chartered surveyor.”

Professor Nick Morton, BCU Associate Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, says: “BCU has made a strategic commitment to develop the talent for tomorrow.”

Read more at b.link/BCU_OneEastside

Image credit | Amey