National Apprenticeship Week: Shropshire student hails higher apprenticeship scheme
A civil engineering firm’s full degree apprenticeship scheme has been lauded by a Shropshire-based learner who is approaching the halfway mark of his studies.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s commitment to nurturing the future of the industry took another giant step forward when it launched the improved programme in 2024.
That saw the 2022 intake of 10 move to the new-look arrangement, which leads to a BEng (Hons) in civil engineering or a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying.
William Howell, from Oswestry, is one of the higher apprentices placed on the scheme, which combines classroom studies with on-site work experience across five years.
During the first half of the programme, the 20-year-old has been on site on the Isle of Grain in Kent, a £2.4 billion project to create the first direct link between the UK and German electricity networks.
He has also worked on the realignment of the A40 near Sennybridge in Powys that was initially limited to single lane traffic following a landslip, and the trailer park expansion for Stena Line in Birkenhead.
William is glad he took the plunge to be part of the higher apprenticeship scheme, saying: “It’s been really varied, and it’s been great to learn plenty about different projects and from different people.
“I’ve learned about different construction methods, from drainage to how highways are built, and I want to continue that development, so wherever I go in the future I have a depth of knowledge that will be beneficial to me.”
Perhaps the biggest praise for the programme is that William would recommend it to any other interested youngsters.
He continued: “If you have the right work ethic for it and you are willing to work hard, it is really good, and you will definitely get plenty out of it.
“I look back on two years ago and realise how much I’ve grown. It has also helped me see different parts of the country, which is an additional benefit.”
Matthew Owen, a tutor with Coleg Cambria, which has partnered with neighbours Wrexham University to run the full degree apprenticeship is thrilled with the progress made by the 2022 intake.
He said: “Each learner has completed a full year of practical experience, refreshed their skills, and is fully prepared to embark on the next stage of their journey.
“The enthusiasm and drive to succeed within the classroom remain exceptionally high, with a strong and positive start evident across the board.
“This commitment sets an excellent foundation for continued success throughout the programme.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.
