NAW: Apprentices at Agratas
13 Feb 2026Administration Apprentice, Maisie Woods, a resident of Bridgwater, is amongst the ten apprentices employed by Sir Robert McAlpine currently working at Agratas
7th Feb 2024
National Apprenticeship Week 2024 with Rachel Tonks
Explore apprenticeship opportunities in construction with Rachel Tonks, People Development - Business Partner.
This National Apprenticeship Week, we speak to Rachel Tonks about the importance of offering apprenticeships.
Our diverse range of apprenticeships are open to those at the beginning of their career along with those looking for continuous professional development.
Rachel says: “As a People Development - Business Partner, I work with colleagues to support their development plans. I work across all sectors to look at what training and development needs are required across our projects.
“I also coordinate what we deliver as a central business to our apprentices and our graduates. It’s a varied role that sees me working with people with diverse skills, backgrounds, and experiences.”
There are currently over 140 people completing apprenticeships across Sir Robert McAlpine, including engineers, QSs, and supervisors as well as accountants, HR, IT, Project Managers and Project Directors.
An apprenticeship involves working a full-time role with some time given to theoretical studies. The balance is carefully considered and those completing the apprenticeship are given support throughout.
Appetites for apprenticeships have changed so much over the years. I think now with university fees being what they are and the demand to have gained vocational experience, more young people are looking at apprenticeships as an option.
In 2020, Sir Robert McAlpine introduced the Data Analyst Apprenticeship for existing employees. The apprenticeship is open to those interested in learning how to code, develop new apps and how to automate everyday processes. The apprenticeship has been well received, 15 individuals having completed the apprenticeship so far and nine more currently enrolled.
Rachel said: “Offering a range of apprenticeships to people across all stages of their careers is important for many reasons. But one of the things we’ve noticed is that having someone on an apprenticeship reporting to a senior leader who is also doing an apprenticeship is really valuable. There’s a mutual understanding of the work that goes into it.”
Did we mention to check out our social media channels this week?!
We'll be sharing National Apprenticeship Week content each day this week, so watch this space! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Explore National Apprentice Week
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Read more aboutNAW 2026: Dave Hall
10 Feb 2026Dave Hall, Lifting Manager at Sellafield, shares his apprenticeship journey after recently completing the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship with the Institute for Leadership and Management.
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Read more aboutNAW 2026: Emelie Dillane & Victoria Inglis
09 Feb 2026We kick off this year's National Apprenticeship week with an insight into the role of our Apprentice Sustainability Managers
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Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2025 with Jack Chapman
11 Feb 2025In support of National Apprenticeship week, we caught up with Trainee Quantity Surveyor Jack Chapman to hear about his experiences and progress on the path to a rewarding career.
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Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week with Shaun Tye and Jack Clarke
09 Feb 2024Join us this National Apprenticeship Week as we explore apprenticeships at Sir Robert McAlpine with Shaun Tye and Jack Clarke, Civil Engineer Apprentices.
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Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week with Aimee Dosanjh
09 Feb 2024Introducing Aimee Dosanjh, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Derby Kingsway Hospital.
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Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2024 with Abigail Wilkinson
08 Feb 2024Introducing Abigail Wilkinson, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor at the Museum of London.
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Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2024 with Alex O'Shea
08 Feb 2024In support of National Apprenticeship week, we caught up with Assistant Estimator, Alex O'Shea, who shares more about his progress since completing his apprenticeship.
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Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2024: Introducing Sumya Yesmin
05 Feb 2024In support of National Apprenticeship Week, we meet Sumya Yesmin, Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor at The Westbury Hotel.
Latest news
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Read more aboutFinal phase of Hexham hospital redevelopment completed
18 Feb 2026Phase 3 delivered state-of-the-art operating theatres, modernising surgical facilities to support high-quality, modern care
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Read more aboutNAW: Apprentices at Agratas
13 Feb 2026Administration Apprentice, Maisie Woods, a resident of Bridgwater, is amongst the ten apprentices employed by Sir Robert McAlpine currently working at Agratas
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Read more aboutMajor construction milestone reached at Agratas
11 Feb 2026Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, has announced the successful completion of the steel frame for its new facility in Bridgwater, Somerset.
