National 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.
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 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.
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Read more aboutMeet Apprentice Engineer Andrew Smales
15 Feb 2023In the wake of National Apprenticeship Week, we catch up with Apprentice Engineer, Andrew Smales, who gives us an insight into his role at Riverside, Sunderland.
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Read more aboutNational Apprenticeship Week 2023: Meet Alex O’Shea
07 Feb 2023In support of National Apprenticeship Week, we catch up with Apprentice Estimator, Alex O'Shea, who shares more about his role and apprenticeship with us as he develops his #SkillsForLife in construction.
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Read more aboutFrom Apprentice Joiner to Works Manager
11 Feb 2021We're taking a trip down memory lane with former apprentices David Cochrane and Angus MacDonald.
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Read more aboutMore accolades for the Elizabeth Tower
23 May 2025Flagship restoration project scoops RIBA London Award
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Read more aboutWinners announced for CCS awards 2025
20 May 2025Multiple projects pick up awards at the CCS National Site Awards
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Read more aboutRoyal approval for Special Projects team
16 May 2025We are proud to have delivered a two-year project at the National Gallery which was officially re-opened by Their Majesties The King and Queen.
