Van Elle is proud to celebrate the talented women who are part of our apprenticeship programmes, highlighting their contributions and supporting diversity while developing future talent across the construction and engineering industry.
Debbie, Fern, and Frankie are new to Van Elle and are undertaking apprenticeships in roles including Civil Engineering, Land-Based Service Engineering, and Business Administration, showing the range of opportunities available and the important contributions women make across operational and professional positions.
Amelia, already part of the business, has progressed from a Business Administration apprenticeship into a Civil Engineering apprenticeship, demonstrating how these programmes support career growth and open new opportunities.
Our apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and ambition, developing practical skills and industry knowledge needed for long-term success. From hands-on site experience to technical and administrative expertise, apprenticeships provide a strong foundation for entering and progressing within the construction and engineering sector.
Speaking about their experiences:
“Applying the academic work I’ve learned at university and in the office to real-life projects has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing piling rigs up close and understanding how everything comes together on site, from the client and designer to the estimator, has given me a real appreciation of the process, especially through being involved in client meetings. Building confidence in my work while feeling supported by an experienced team, many of whom have followed the ICE graduate route, has been invaluable. A standout moment was being on site for the first time and contributing to a real structure, and I’m excited to look back next year and see just how much I’ve developed.”– Debbie
“I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship as a plant fitter so far. I’ve learned a lot at Strata, from putting hoses together to understanding how the rigs work, which has improved my knowledge of the equipment already” – Fern
“Starting in business administration at Van Elle gave me confidence and a real understanding of how the company works. Listening to technical discussions and supporting site operations sparked my interest in engineering, and I’ve developed key skills like communication, teamwork and time management. I’ve learned so much since joining and I’m really looking forward to my journey in civil engineering. Doing an apprenticeship has opened doors I never expected, and I would recommend it to anyone unsure about construction or the industry.” – Amelia
“Since joining Van Elle, I’ve developed new skills in areas such as Excel, PowerPoint and professional communication, which has really helped to build my confidence. Every day feels like a learning day, and the support from Van Elle including completing college within work hours and help from colleagues when I’ve needed it, has been invaluable. As a hands-on learner, the apprenticeship route has suited me far better than a traditional classroom, allowing me to learn on the job while building experience and opening future opportunities within the engineering industry”. – Frankie
At a time when the industry faces challenges attracting young people, particularly women, these apprenticeships show how structured learning and real-world experience can open doors and build careers.
They give apprentices practical skills, confidence, and exposure to different areas of the business, while also creating opportunities in roles that have traditionally been male-dominated.
Programmes like these help develop talent, support diversity, and provide a strong foundation for future growth.
We look forward to supporting our apprentices as they continue to grow, develop their skills, and progress in their careers.