Whether starting out, changing direction, or developing new skills, apprenticeships offer a practical route into the piling and ground engineering industry. At Van Elle, we see first-hand how apprenticeships open doors to careers people may never have considered.
One example is Amelia, who joined us in 2022 on a Business Administration apprenticeship.
For many people, an administrative apprenticeship is a great starting point, offering the chance to develop strong organisational, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while also gaining exposure to projects, operational teams, and technical discussions.
The experience provides a deeper understanding of how a business works. For those who wish, it can open doors to a wide range of career paths, including engineering, quantity surveying, project management, and more.
This was exactly the case for Amelia. While supporting operational and engineering teams, she gained insight into how projects are delivered, and this exposure sparked her interest in the technical side of the business.
That experience led Amelia to begin a Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician apprenticeship, combining university study with practical, on-the-job learning.
She is now at the start of her engineering journey, showing how apprenticeships can be more than an entry point and can form the foundation of a long-term career.
Amelia’s Story
“Starting in business administration at Van Elle gave me a real understanding of how the company works and helped me build my confidence. It was more than just an administrative role; it opened doors to engineering for me, while also being a rewarding career in its own right.
Listening to technical discussions and being involved in site operations sparked my interest in civil engineering. Throughout my apprenticeship, I developed transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and time management, which made moving into a technical role much smoother.
I am now working on Smartfoot beam designs and learning more about estimating, pile design, ground conditions and site work. Even though I did not go straight into engineering, this route helped me discover a career I might never have considered.
I would recommend this pathway to anyone who is unsure about construction or the industry. There are so many opportunities, and it can lead you in directions you might never have expected.”
Inspiring More Women into Engineering
Piling and ground engineering has traditionally been male-dominated, but the industry has a responsibility to change that. Apprenticeships create accessible pathways into engineering by offering real jobs, hands-on experience, and the chance to earn while learning.
By sharing real career journeys and clear progression routes, we can challenge perceptions and show that ground engineering offers rewarding careers for everyone.
Supporting National Apprenticeship Week
This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to support the Skills for Life message. By investing in apprenticeships, we develop people, strengthen our workforce, and build the future of piling and ground engineering.
Apprenticeships help businesses grow while giving individuals the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed now and in the future.