Elizabeth is from London and is relishing her apprenticeship. Find out why she enjoys it so much, below. 

I used to work for a railway company and during this time I would see engineers come and go and I was inspired by their drawings and work – I wanted to dig deeper and find out what they actually did. One day, I had a discovery moment when I actually saw the full installation of laying track – from all the prep work through to the track itself. It was then that I realised that I wanted to learn more and have a career in this field.

I love this apprenticeship as it picks the brains of experts in every department during the rotation. You get exposed to such broad knowledge in such a short amount of time. There is so much to take in; it really is an amazing opportunity. There is a real structure; from day one we have been a part of the team and involved with important tasks and decisions.

I am excited to face newer and bigger projects. I have the chance to travel the world for work… I can’t wait to see what happens!

Rajan, 19 is from Birmingham and his dream career is to be a chartered civil engineer and project manager. Here, Rajan tells us how he’s making his dreams a reality through an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship has everything really. I always knew I wanted to go into mechanical and civil engineering. I think it links back to my family history - my Grandad has a degree in mechanics and my other Grandad was involved with the rail industry. It was also the future prospects that attracted me to this role as well as the chance to travel and work abroad, which is something I might want to do. I am definitely more hands on but I do like the balance between theory and practical.

I really love the fact that I get to learn all about the infrastructure, the design and all the planning that goes into the project before the work even starts. I’ve had so many new experiences that I previously wouldn’t have thought possible.

What I really like about this apprenticeship is the training provided and the support from the staff. It’s so much better than my previous jobs in retail where I never really felt supported. Now, I feel like people really want to help me and see me succeed.

Carrie-Leigh Watkins is one of our youngest apprentices, she is currently working towards a City and Guilds Level 3 in business administration. Carrie-Leigh explains how this apprenticeship is proving exciting and eye-opening. 

“Although I did well at school, sitting in a classroom and being told what to do wasn’t for me. I was keen to get myself into the workplace so that I could work my way up and progress my career as best I could.

What I love about my apprenticeship is the fact that I feel so independent and responsible. At only 16, I haven’t been used to earning money, so it’s great to feel independent with a wage coming in every month.

I am making so many important connections with many professionals within the business. I feel extremely privileged that these important people put their trust in me to deliver the work they need me to.

The best thing about working for Kier is the people. I enjoy working with my colleagues, everybody is so friendly and helpful. The environment is positive and everybody is willing to help one another, when needed.

In addition, I enjoy the fact that I work for an internationally recognised company that is constantly growing, it’s a very exciting, interesting and great time to be at the company.”

Sam Taylor, 20, is currently training to become an electrician. He is an apprentice for Kier Living, working on the Waterside Place site in Birmingham. 

Here, Sam explains why he chose the apprenticeship route. I made the choice to pursue an apprenticeship after experiencing different educational environments, from sixth form to university. I found that a combination of theory and practical work suited me best and that’s why I chose an apprenticeship. I feel more confident in my abilities and I definitely feel this was the right career choice for me.

The best things about my apprenticeship are the sense of achievement when you complete a project and the trust that is bestowed on you. I work as part of a team but at times independently and I feel a great sense of pride and responsibility being able to deliver projects for the team.

It’s an environment where the work I complete matters – it has a direct impact on the team and the wider project. There are pressures and deadlines but working to meeting those extremely rewarding and you truly feel appreciated.

Since starting my apprenticeship with Kier, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people and as a result feel I have learnt so much and bettered myself. It has really helped with my confidence levels and I feel I am able to communicate with others better.

I’ve also noticed that my problem-solving skills have improved and I am able to think more clearly and analytically when trying to overcome problems – be that in a working or personal capacity. 

Working for Kier has drastically improved my work-life balance and helped me focus on what’s important to me and how to achieve my goals.

Craig, 25 from Swansea is a trainee site manager who is currently studying towards his CIOB Level 4 certificate in construction site management and an NVQ level 4 in Construction site supervision. Craig talks to us about his career in to construction, via the Royal Marines.

Following my career as a Royal Marines Commando, I decided to pursue a career in site management construction. This was as a result of some work experience in the field and it was apparent that an apprenticeship was the best route; allowing me to gain on site experience as well as gain the necessary academic qualifications. Learning the role of a site manager, whilst earning a wage is the best option for me. This is because I am a mature student with home life responsibilities including a mortgage.

The best thing about my apprenticeship is learning on site skills from my colleagues who have years of experience alongside picking up the academic skills in college. Doing an apprenticeship is the best way for me to learn as it offers hands on, practical experience, outside of the classroom. It’s great to be out onsite and seeing the construction project progress. I gain a great deal of satisfaction being part of a team, problem solving and interacting with different contractors.

The best thing about working for Kier is how much they value their apprentices and trainees. For example, they have set me up with a mentor from a different site to help with anything I need. In addition to this, the site team of the project I am currently working on are available for any advice and guidance. I value the collaborative ethos Kier promote and see it as a major strength of the company.

Kier develop their staff, by putting you through lots of different training courses and supporting you through your college qualifications. For example, I have been on SMSTS, First aid and environmental courses.

Megan, 19 is currently working towards her NVQ Level 4, Construction Management qualification. Here, Megan shares with us why she chose an apprenticeship and the hugely rewarding outcomes it’s offered.

I knew that a university degree was never going to suit my style of learning but I still wanted to gain a degree. By going for this apprenticeship with Kier, I knew that I could work towards a higher qualification whilst being hands on, getting experience in the workplace and still earn a good wage. The construction industry has always interested me as there are so many elements to it. By doing the management trainee programme alongside my NVQ I am able to experience all the different professions within the business.

The best thing about the apprenticeship is being able to see how a project starts, right from tendering all the way to the handover. Being on site everyday means that I get to see the building progress throughout all stages which is hugely rewarding.

Kier is great to work for and I am especially grateful to my co-workers, who are always there to support me with work and even teaching. I’ve also been able to work on some great opportunities to help with charity projects, such as ‘The House’ in St Austell.

Paolo Avagnano, 18 is working towards a Level 3 Civil engineering apprenticeship (NVQ). Paolo explains how his brother inspired him to choose an apprenticeship.

“I finished my A levels and after doing some research into university and apprenticeships I decided that the apprenticeship route was right for me. My brother opted to take an apprenticeship over other higher education options and he has really enjoyed it. Plus, the fact you are learning and earning at the same time, it made complete sense for me to choose this option too.

In my opinion, the best thing about my apprenticeship is the professional connections I am gaining at such a young age, whilst gaining invaluable experience at the same time. I think that it is key - to try and get as much experience as possible. Why I think this is on a long-term basis there will be the opportunity to diversify and to try other areas of the business. I am armed with so much knowledge which wouldn’t have been the same if, for example, I had gone to university and then started in a job after a few years’ time.

The best thing about working for Kier is the friendly atmosphere in the working environment. Since starting my apprenticeship, everyone has been very helpful and been keen in trying to help me learn and understand different aspects of the industry, which has driven me to working harder and I feel motivated to continue to learn new things.”

Bradley, 21 is currently an apprentice joiner with Kier North Tyneside. Bradley is currently working towards a Level 3 Site Carpentry. Here, he explains why an apprenticeship was the obvious choice for him.

“I chose an apprenticeship because I didn't want to go in to full time education and I wanted to earn an income. An apprenticeship is ideal for me, I am earning an income, gaining a trade and qualifications at the same time.

I am really enjoying the hands-on approach to work and learning at the same time, which I am more suited to, rather than being in a classroom five days a week.

The skills and knowledge I am gaining from this apprenticeship are not just benefiting me in my professional role, I have been able to use them outside of it too. I have been able to transfer these skills into my everyday life by developing my own property, something I am extremely proud of.

The colleagues I have worked with have been fantastic, taking the time to teach me the skills that I need to become a good joiner. I have also built friendships up with them outside of work.

Also working for Kier has given me the opportunity to work on various projects over the time of my apprenticeship. This means I have gained many skills in various sectors of the company.”

Annie, 20, is currently a business support apprentice for Kier Construction in the southern region. Annie is working towards a project management level 4 project management qualification. This is what Annie had to say about her apprenticeship at Kier.

“Before starting my apprenticeship at Kier, I finished my A Levels and applied to go to university to study Theology and Religious Studies. At this point I believed university was the only option I had, as I had not been told by my college and I was not aware of other career paths. I went to university but I wasn’t enjoying the lectures and I wasn’t sure if this was the right form of further education for me.

After completing my first year, I needed a summer job and thought this was an ideal opportunity to gain some valuable work experience. I was offered a placement at Kier and to be honest, I have never looked back! After spending six weeks working for Kier, I couldn’t imagine working or doing anything else as I was enjoying it that much. The work experience had just proved to me how much I enjoyed working and earning my own money.

I sat down with the HR team at Kier and asked them if there was any way that I could stay and what options there were available to me. This is when I was offered to come on board as a business support apprentice, with Kier putting me through my level 4 project management qualifications and my PMQ.

Since starting the apprenticeship, I have worked in different parts of the business; from the general works team, to pre-construction and the site based team, giving me the opportunity to understand what I am interested in so I will know what I want to pursue when I have completed my training.

Working for Kier has been such an enjoyable experience so far. From the beginning, I have felt like a valued member of the team, with everyone being so friendly and welcoming. At Kier, I feel like I am being pushed to do my absolute best and constantly being challenged to achieve more. It is warming to know that I am working for a company which values its employees and acknowledges when they have gone above and beyond.

Since I started at Kier I have been luckily enough to represent the company at a handful of careers events, where I have been able to share my story which I hope has inspired others.”

James is a construction trainee for Kier Construction in Cardiff. Here, James talks to us about his journey in to the built environment and how is determination and persistence landed him his ideal job.

“I knew from a very early age that I wanted to work in the built environment. I was looking at different career paths in to construction and felt an apprenticeship would be the best option. I liked the idea of earning whilst learning and with the focus on a mix of practical and theory, I felt it would suit me.

I actually started as an apprentice carpenter for a small house refurbishment company, followed by a roofing company. After completing my third year I was offered a position with Neath Port Talbot College to do a higher apprenticeship scheme for trainee managers. I was able to carry out practical and theory based work as I worked towards my degree.

A couple months in to working for the steel company, orders started to dry up. There was uncertainty over the industry and unfortunately the company let me go. I suddenly I found myself unemployed and miles away from gaining the qualifications I wanted. I contacted my training provider but they said sadly thy were unable to help. I was basically on my own.

It was this point I got in contact with Kier in Wales. I was offered an interview at the Cardiff office – I was a bag of nerves as I had never worked with a main contractor before. I was excited and really wanted to work for Kier, after researching the company further. I was offered a place on the Kier foundation degree programme and I am now in my second year.

If it wasn’t for my now contracts manager and Kier seeing my potential, I would be in a totally different place. Kier’s version of the higher apprenticeship scheme has given me the chance to learn, work and live construction whilst also offering job security. I’ve learnt so much from the people I’ve met and been mentored by.

Since starting my journey in to the construction industry, I have learnt so much. Working for Kier is not a job, it’s a fulfilling career that has already offered me countless opportunities.”

Freddie Seal joined Kier in 2017 after completing a 14-week training and work experience placement as part of Kier’s S-Skills for Highways Social Enterprise. Here, Freddie explains the benefits of an apprenticeship and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

“When I left school, I had a number of different jobs in different industries and I was struggling to feel fulfilled. I felt that my career was at a standstill and not going in the direction I really wanted it to.

I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD), autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia at a young age. I have always been aware of my conditions and whilst they can affect how I go about tasks or learning things, I never thought they should hold me back.

I was offered the chance to enrol on the Kier S-Skills programme at Brooklands Museum at the beginning of 2017. After completing the two-week programme, I was hoping to be offered a job on the roads. I was actually offered the opportunity of work experience and then a job in The Control Hub on our Surrey Highways contract. I would never have thought that I would enjoy a job in an office – but I do!

Since I started at Kier my confidence has grown, I feel able to talk and interact with all sorts of people. This role has also offered me so many opportunities, including going away on an apprenticeship training event.

With my apprenticeship, I am learning how to apply the knowledge from my college course in to my every day work. I will gain a professional qualification and look to further my development in a working environment.”

Adam is 21 and currently working towards a NVQ level 4 in high speed rail and infrastructure. Adam is currently combining his theoretical work with practical learning. Here, he explains why an apprenticeship was the best option for him.

“I decided on an apprenticeship after pursuing the traditional university route which I felt was too much like being back at school and I wanted the opportunity to earn while learning. I really wanted to apply knowledge to real world applications and push myself. I also relocated three hours away from home which allowed me to experience a new place and pursue new opportunities.

The best thing about this apprenticeship is learning the world of work and how to be an independent person whilst being part of a big team that is delivering a massively important project, HS2.

It’s very exciting to be a part of it and I’ve learnt so much more than I could at university, as I am applying the knowledge I’ve learnt daily. It’s taught me how to integrate in to a workplace as well as other vital skills.

Kier is full of great minds and great people. As a company, it has been immensely supportive. The company and its staff have made me feel part of the team and that I am able to fulfil my potential and progress within the company.”

Ashley, 33, lives in Solihull and is currently undertaking an apprenticeship in plumbing. Ashley recalls how his dreams are now becoming a reality because of his apprenticeship.

“Over the past two years, my apprenticeship with Kier has given me the opportunity to learn the skills I need to become a qualified plumber. I go to college one day a week, where all the theory based work is put in to practice in workshops. An example of this is assessing detailed drawings with tutors explaining it all in detail and then asking us questions. We also cover off best practice, health and safety, the dos and donts to ensure we are always considering our safety and surroundings.

For the other four days, I am working on a Kier site with the plumbing sub-contractors, gaining necessary experience and confidence in this line of work. I have learnt how to fit appliances, guttering, radiators, kitchen sinks, baths and fix pipework.

During my time as an apprentice I have taken over ten plumbing and heating exams as well as other subjects, such as Maths, English and I.T. At school, I never felt I was very good academically, but I have excelled in every exam I’ve taken on my apprenticeship, even scoring 100% in a couple of exams.

I moved from Stoke-on-Trent to Birmingham for this apprenticeship which was scary as I knew no-one but I’ve met so many people, some of whom are now very good friends. My self-confidence has rocketed and I have the belief that anything is possible if you want it enough.

After coming from a job that I felt would never result in a fulfilling career, this apprenticeship has changed my whole perspective and as a result, I feel I could one-day work for myself, something I only dreamed of before and never thought possible.

Jonathan Tranter, 37, is currently a civils apprentice working towards a higher apprenticeship level 4 in civil engineering. Jonathan explains how it’s never too late to change careers.

“After working in the heritage sector for 14 years, I decided it was time for a change of career. I knew I had a diverse skill set but I was struggling to decide what career to embark on.

I’d kept a close eye on the HS2 project and could see there were opportunities available. After further research, it seemed like the right path for me as it would utilise my existing experience whilst allowing me to challenge myself and try something new.

My brother had taken an apprenticeship at 16 and it worked well for him so I’m working on the mantra ‘you’re never too old to learn’. The best part of this apprenticeship is being a part of such a high-profile project from such an early stage.

Years ago, I went to college and university, but learning on the job is the way forward for me so I can put the skills I’ve learnt into practice.

I’ve loved getting to meet other apprentices. Joining a company and a career path that has so many opportunities is ace. I am incredibly excited about what the future holds.”

Dale has recently won ‘best apprentice’ in the North-East and Yorkshire area in the JTL Awards and now heads to the national finals. Ever since Dale started his apprenticeship with Kier North Tyneside, he has shown enthusiasm and a passion to learn. Here, Dale talks about how much he has enjoyed his apprenticeship and the opportunities it has presented.

I joined Kier North Tyneside (KNT) in early September 2013 as an Advanced Apprentice Plumber on a four-year programme. I’d always enjoyed studying and had some good GCSE results under my belt but I wanted my further education to be a mix of both theory and practical learning. This seems to have worked out well, I’ve passed all my exams first time and received top marks several times.

I am now a fully qualified plumber with gas, working for KNT as a permanent member of the Gas Servicing & Repairs Team. Alongside my NVQ L3 Diploma in Plumbing & Heating, I’ve also attained an ACS domestic gas qualification and I am always looking at ways I can progress, learn more and ultimately better myself.

I feel I learnt so many life skills during my apprenticeship. I have tried to show initiative at every opportunity, by proactively pursuing transfers to other plumbing departments within KNT to gain experience of different work places and mentors. This was invaluable and I learnt how to work with lots of different people.

It’s not just the training that makes the apprenticeship at Kier worthwhile. I have taken the time to understand Kier as a business and partake in various company initiatives; undertaking dementia friends training, becoming a Kier Shaping Your World Ambassador. I am passionate about getting more people to consider a career within the built environment so I regularly help with apprenticeship events and trade fairs.

Andi Gibson, learning and development consultant for Kier North Tyneside, said: “Dale is a shining example of what Kier hopes to see in their apprentices. Dale lives by the Kier values and is always forward-thinking, collaborative and enthusiastic. As an organisation, we are exceptionally proud of the success that Dale has made of himself. He is one to watch and he will go far in the future.”

Katy left sixth form in summer 2016 with the intention of going to University to study English Literature and Journalism. 

 After achieving her A Level results Katy decided to look at Apprenticeships as an alternative to going to University and came across an Apprentice role in Civil Engineering on the M6 Smart Motorways Programme. After researching the different roles available within Construction and Engineering and the focus on bringing more females into the industry Katy decided that this was a career that she wanted to pursue.

Katy joined in September 2016 as a Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprentice employed by Kier. Whilst she has been on the Project she has rotated around various departments such as Engineering, Commercial and Planning to learn about the different departments that come together to deliver a construction project. Katy has continued to reach the personal learning goals defined in the apprenticeship programme and she has consistently exceeded these targets and produced work ahead of time.

As well as her day-to-day role within the various departments as an Apprentice, Katy has also been actively getting involved in extra-curricular activities on and off the Project. In June 2017 Katy co-ordinated a climb of Snowdon in partnership with St Luke’s Hospice and with her creative thinking and persistence she organised fundraising activities that eventually raised over £2,000 for this worthy charity. Katy also partnered with another apprentice to work with the Prince’s Trust 12 week team programme to help create a memorial garden at a local primary school in memory of a pupil who sadly died in a house fire.

Katy has also been involved in various inspiring a generation events since joining Kier in September 2016. In July 2017 Katy attended the Big Bang STEM Event in Liverpool with the  team and our subcontractors to help host the “Construction Corner” and showcase our industry and STEM activities. In July 2017 they also attended the Primary College event at South Cheshire College in Crewe. This event brings together over 1,000 primary school children from years five and six from the South Cheshire area for the opportunity for them to participate in a choice of over 30 interactive activities delivered by local organisations and Katy joined some of the other staff to deliver some interactive Civil Engineering activities to over 80 children over two days.

Before coming to the Project Katy had little knowledge of construction and engineering and she is very much looking forward to completing her apprenticeship and furthering her education and career within the construction environment and with Kier. In addition to this, Katy is a great advocate for new apprentices looking at entering the industry and also the promotion of females in construction. Katy loves to share her own journey and experiences with other aspiring apprentices and she is now also a STEM Ambassador and a Kier Ambassador following the Shaping Your World campaign.

Jack is a Level 3 Civil Engineering Apprentice on the M6 Smart Motorways Programme employed by Kier. 

 After finishing sixth form in summer 2016 and achieving his A Levels Jack looked to enrol himself onto a degree in Quantity Surveying when he came across the apprenticeship vacancy in Civil Engineering on the M6 Smart Motorways Programme. Jack was successful in gaining a place on the Apprenticeship programme after an intense assessment centre consisting of presentations and group activities with 20 other candidates. The apprenticeship route appealed to Jack as he can “earn whilst he learns” and enables him to gain valuable work experience as well as an education.

Whilst Jack has been on the Project he has rotated around various disciplines such as Engineering, Commercial and Planning however he has always known he wanted to be a Quantity Surveyor and has now settled into the Commercial department as his favoured career path whilst he completes the final few months of his apprenticeship. Jack is now a well-established member of the Commercial team and due to his professionalism and excellent attention to detail he is now able to look after his own small subcontracts. Jack doesn’t just accept a task; he wants to understand how it fits into the Project as a whole and likes to see a task through the whole life cycle. Although Jack is focussed on working within the Commercial department he still wants to expand his understanding of construction and therefore nominates himself to complete tasks outside of his role such as attending planning meetings and participating in health and safety tours of the site.

In addition to this Jack has also got involved in many extra-curricular activities on and off the Project. Jack is a STEM Ambassador and has supported in many inspiring a generation events including attending the Big Bang STEM Event in Liverpool in July 2017 and our subcontractors to help host the “Construction Corner” and showcase our industry and STEM activities. He has attended many careers fairs in local schools and colleges to promote the apprentice pathway and the industry and also share his experiences with others. In March 2017 Jack was also nominated to attend an Open Doors Event at a Kier Project to promote our Kier apprentices and was interviewed and filmed by both Signal 1 and Kier about his apprenticeship and the benefits of working and doing an apprenticeship within the construction industry.

Jack has always known he wanted to be a Quantity Surveyor and he is eager to complete his apprenticeship and enrol onto the Kier Degree Programme in Quantity Surveying so he can further his education and continuously develop himself. Jack is an excellent ambassador for current and future apprentices and this has been recognised with his recent nomination and final shortlisting for the “Rising Star Award” at the Kier Annual Awards. Jack was nominated for this award by his mentor in acknowledgement of the great value he adds to the Project team and Kier and also for his exceptional display of our Kier values; always being collaborative, enthusiastic and forward thinking.

I chose an apprenticeship in the construction industry as I enjoyed helping my father build an extension to the family home when I was younger. I had achieved grade A’s in woodwork. I originally considered a plumbing apprenticeship, but I am glad that I have become a joiner.

I enjoyed the variety of work and learning that’s part of my apprenticeship. My work is not repetitive, each job is different. My mentor was very supportive, that we even developed a friendship out of work. I have felt part of a team and I enjoy the banter with my fellow work colleagues.

I leave for work about 6.50 so I can be on site ready to start work at 8am and my working day finishes at 4.30pm. I would initially work shadowing a joiner, but gradually I became experienced to work away on my own. I enjoyed the variety of skills I was learning as each day was different.

I would recommend an apprenticeship in the construction industry, there are so many different ways to become an apprentice, the work is varied and has extremely good career prospects. My qualifications are recognised internationally, so they could act as a ticket to travel the world. My long term ambition would be to work towards management level and to become my own boss.

I’m working at Kier as an apprentice on housing maintenance and really enjoying it. A typical day for me consists of carrying out general maintenance work in council properties, like repairing or replacing doors, windows and bath panels, and repairing kitchen units.

As part of my apprenticeship, I’m also attending college on block release and really enjoy putting the things I learn there into my practice when I’m back at work. I feel I’m progressing really well, learning more and more every day through my practical work and college studies.

In the future I’m looking forward to successfully completing my apprenticeship and then continuing to progress within Kier. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to others. It gives you the opportunity to learn the skills of your chosen trade whilst studying for a recognised qualification and earn money at the same time.

I joined Kier in September 2016 after I completed one week’s work experience the previous summer. I experienced five days of different roles within the general works team and I enjoyed the quantity surveying area, so decided to pursue a career in that area.

My main responsibilities include assisting the co-ordination of orders for materials on sites and I also try helping out colleagues on other tasks, such as contacting sub-contractors and gathering information for projects.

I am very happy with my apprenticeship, it took a little bit of time to get used to what I was doing and learn the basics, as I was brand new to construction, but with the help and support from everyone at Kier I am grateful to have had this opportunity to begin my career in construction and I am growing with confidence and knowledge every day.

I have learnt so much by getting hands on in the construction industry. I feel by having an apprenticeship you will learn a lot more about construction through every day experiences which I have also found has improved my academic work as I am able to relate what I do at work to my assignments.

If I was to give anyone advice about an apprenticeship it would be to try and experience multiple roles as it may surprise you to which you feel will be best suited to you.