As part of National Apprenticeship Week and today’s Employer Tuesday theme, we are highlighting how our business is helping people build skills for life and long-term careers in ground engineering.
Apprenticeships play an important role in developing the future of our workforce. They give people the chance to earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience, and develop both technical knowledge and the wider skills that support career progression.
Apprenticeships that build real careers
We offer apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of roles, including engineering, quantity surveying, business administration, IT, procurement, HR and more. This breadth of roles highlights the range of career opportunities available within the business and the different ways people can build their careers in ground engineering.
We also support flexible routes, including part-time pathways for those moving from full-time study. This allows individuals to combine academic learning with valuable workplace experience.
Learning beyond the classroom
Developing future talent starts well before employment. We work with schools and colleges, attend careers fairs, and offer work experience opportunities, including interview practice sessions. These activities help young people understand the range of careers available in ground engineering and build confidence before entering the workplace.
Skills for Life in action
Our apprentices develop much more than technical ability. Problem solving, teamwork, communication and leadership skills are built alongside on-the-job learning, preparing them to take on greater responsibility as their careers progress.
Two of our former apprentices said:
Nils Rollinson, Quantity Surveyor
“In 2025, I completed a five-year apprenticeship, earning a First Class Honours in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. During the apprenticeship, I gained not only technical knowledge in cost management and contracts, but also essential skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The hands-on experience gave me the confidence to take on more responsibility, from managing projects to mentoring junior team members, and laid the foundation for my career in ground engineering. Van Elle has been incredibly accommodating, giving me all the time I needed to focus on my education. I’m now looking forward to completing my pathway to becoming a Chartered Surveyor. The easiest decision I ever made was to become an apprentice, combining part-time study with work. It allowed me to gain valuable experience working with industry experts, which you don’t get from attending university full time.”
Conor White, Project Manager
“During my apprenticeship as a Civil Engineer, I gained valuable practical experience on site and learned how to solve real-world engineering challenges. Beyond technical skills, the programme helped me develop leadership and team collaboration skills that I use every day in my role. I was trusted with managing large projects while completing my degree, which prepared me for the greater responsibilities I now handle in my current role. I also gained a broad understanding of how the business operates and extensive knowledge across different sectors. I’m very fortunate to work for a business that provides both support and responsibilities to its apprentices. I received excellent guidance from my team whenever needed, and that support continues in my role today. My apprenticeship laid the foundation for my career, and I have continued to progress since. I would highly recommend this route to anyone.”
Championing diversity and progression
Ground engineering has traditionally been male dominated, and we are committed to encouraging more women and people from diverse backgrounds into the sector. Through structured training, mentorship and exposure to different areas of the business, our apprenticeship programmes help create a skilled, adaptable workforce and clear progression routes for the future.
Employer Tuesday in action
This Employer Tuesday, we are proud to showcase how our apprenticeship programmes help develop talent, close skills gaps and create sustainable careers. By supporting individuals at every stage, from school engagement to career progression, we are investing in the next generation of ground engineering professionals.