Colchester apprentices celebrate their “Skills for Life” this National Apprenticeship Week Monday, 6th February 2023

Apprentices at our Colchester office are calling on young people and anyone considering a career change to learn more about the practical routes into construction.

The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (6 – 12 February) is ‘Skills for Life’, celebrating apprenticeships as a hands-on way to develop the skills and knowledge needed for life and work. As we reopen our recruitment programme with a goal to recruit seven budding architects, engineers and surveyors for September, apprentices Kai and Ruby reflect on their achievements.

20-year-old Kai Filbert joined our Colchester office in September 2021 on a four-year Level 6 Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship. Kai said: “My apprenticeship offers me so many opportunities to learn and develop. I support the design team on their work from drawing plans and 3D modelling to completing site visits and surveys – no two days are the same.

“This National Apprenticeship Week I want to encourage anyone looking for a new direction in life to consider apprenticeships. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship with Ingleton Wood – they are a supportive team with a wonderful culture, and ensure that as apprentices we have everything we need for both work and study.”

Our apprentices benefit from a blended learning approach in association with London South Bank University, Anglia Ruskin University, Colchester Institute and LearnTech. Apprentices study while working part-time without having to pay tuition fees, earning a qualification equivalent to a degree.

In 2022 we recruited eight apprentices and are looking to recruit a further seven this year on a range of courses including Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Building Services Engineering.

Ruby Oxley, 17, began her Business Administration Apprenticeship in September 2022. She was previously in full-time education but said she felt “it wasn’t the right path for me”.

She said: “I wanted to be learning and earning qualifications in a more hands-on way, and after a lot of research into apprenticeships I realised it was the right option for me. I’m really enjoying my role along with the responsibility and independence it gives me at a young age.

“Being a young inexperienced person going into a team of professionals can be such a daunting thought for someone wanting to start an apprenticeship, but at Ingleton Wood, everyone is treated equally and the training and support network is amazing.”

The UK construction industry is facing an urgent skills shortage, with The Construction Skills Network (CSN) predicting that by 2025, an additional 217,000 new workers will need to be recruited just to meet demand. A key factor in the shortage is an ageing workforce – as construction professionals reach retirement age, fewer people are entering the industry to replace them.

Ingleton Wood has been offering degree apprenticeships through the Government Apprenticeship Levy since 2016 to help address the industry skills gap.

Holly Sutherland, Apprenticeship Coordinator said: “At Ingleton Wood we are passionate about introducing new talent to the world of construction, and National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight the incredible work our apprentices do all year round.

“Most people have heard of carpenters, bricklayers, and architects, but there are also apprenticeships for roles you might not have considered. Ever thought of becoming a civil engineer, quantity surveyor or planner? You can train for these roles and many more as a construction apprentice.”

To find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities email hr@ingletonwood.co.uk.