National Apprenticeship Week 2020: Meet Lucas Quinn Toye

Want to know what it’s really like as a Sir Robert McAlpine apprentice? To kickstart National Apprenticeship Week we meet some of our current trainees who talk about their careers to date, what subjects they studied before starting work and the qualifications they are working towards.

Introducing Lucas Quinn Toye who is a trainee Mechanical & Electrical Engineer part of our St Enoch Centre project team in Glasgow. 

How long have you been with Sir Robert McAlpine?

I joined the business in August 2018 straight from school as a trainee mechanical and electrical engineer and as part of my development I attend university 1 day a week.

Tell us about your role and typical day

I support the management of the mechanical and electrical packages of our projects. This includes anything from lifts & escalators to water, power and gas. On a typical day I will be coordinating various tasks on site and making sure these are carried out safely and correctly as well as helping to resolve any problems that arise sometimes relating to design or logistics.

My current project is the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow which is a redevelopment of an existing shopping centre, converting the east end into new restaurant units as well as building 9 cinema screens for Vue.

What made you choose an apprenticeship route with us?

In my 4^th year in secondary education, Sir Robert McAlpine invited a group of pupils from my school a work placement opportunity across various projects in Glasgow. As part of this I was able to spend a week on the City of Glasgow College Riverside Campus. I really enjoyed my time there and it opened my eyes to the construction industry.

From then I had decided that I wanted to study engineering and in my last year at school, Sir Robert McAlpine offered me a job with the opportunity to study Building Services Engineering at university part time. I saw this as a far better route into engineering as it would allow me gain valuable on the job experience that would put me ahead of those studying full time.

What’s been your most memorable career highlight to date?

I have only been involved in a handful of projects so far in my career but St Enoch Centre has definitely been a highlight. The logistical constraints of working within a live shopping centre combined with the fact this is the first job I have been a part of from the start has made this a unique one for me.

What would you advise to those considering an apprenticeship?

I think modern apprenticeships are the best way to get into any industry. With university and college becoming more accessible to more people, especially in Scotland where further education is free, a degree has become the baseline and employers are looking for more from their potential employees. There aren’t enough of these routes into the industry being created so if you have the opportunity you should take it. I think apprenticeships enhance the skillset amongst the workforce as they add more practical knowledge and experience to the team.

Describe Sir Robert McAlpine in 3 words

Fun, honest and innovative

Would you recommend SRM as best place to work?

This apprenticeship has been my first full-time job but my experience here has been positive to date and listening to what others around me have to say, I think our culture is amongst the best in our industry.