Apprentices

Introduction

Challenge
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The Apprenticeship+ programme provides participants with a formal college education, leading to a technical certificate and NVQ 2 and 3 in their chosen discipline. They will also gain a broad set of technical and trade skills through on-the-job training, supported by experienced tradespeople and construction professionals. A dedicated mentor and apprentice officer will work closely with each apprentice, providing regular feedback on their progress towards completing their apprenticeship.

The programme will range between two and four years, depending on the qualification route chosen and will also include an annual personal development module, designed to support our apprentices as they begin to build their careers.

“I applied twice to get on the Apprenticeship+ programme. I didn't get in first time around, so I took a heating and ventilation college course for a year and was successful the second time. I've just finished my first year of what will be a four-year apprenticeship in total. 

“I go to college on block release – four weeks at a time, three times a year – to study for a City and Guilds diploma in heating and ventilation. When I get back on-site it’s a great opportunity to put into practice the theory we’ve been learning. 

“One of the things that I think makes Laing O’Rourke’s Apprenticeship+ special is that everyone across the UK on the Apprenticeship+ programme gets to meet together and share experiences. That’s because we go on development modules,  where we have a go at problem-solving activities like making a raft or canoe, and have to work in teams to get this done. It’s really fun but challenging and it helps to develop the teamworking and problem solving skills that you need in an organisation like CHt. 

“Without a doubt I've made the right choice to join the Apprentice+ programme. I just wish I’d done it a bit earlier! I’m 24 now but I first wanted to be a heating engineer and plumber after my A-levels but didn’t pursue it – maybe because of what some people think about women doing this kind of work. A few years later, I was working in a call centre and miserable so I decided to go after my dream.”

Chloe Atkins
Heating and Ventilaton apprentice

Career progression

As a Laing O’Rourke apprentice you will be fully supported during the two to four-year structured programme.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship with us, you can develop your career in a number of ways: