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Construction apprenticeship: ‘No better way to start my career’
CM People staff Contributing author
Apprentices Olly and George on a team-building session at Go Ape. Image: Ashe Construction
Following a recent development day to kickstart new careers at Ashe Construction, three apprentices tell CM People what they have gained so far and share their plans for the future.
Olly Owen, apprentice site supervisor
What training have you done prior to starting with Ashe and what did you do on the development day?
I’ve joined Ashe from Central Bedfordshire College, where I did the two-year, level 3 BTEC in general engineering.
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On our development day, we had a tour of a hospital project before attending role-sharing workshops and doing a creative communication challenge. Then we had a team-building session in the treetops at Go Ape.
It’s been incredible to see the amount of detail that goes into all the works from the drawings
Olly Owen, Ashe Construction
What drew you to a career in the built environment?
I have always loved construction. I like the satisfaction of seeing an empty field being turned into an operational building, so I’ve set my sights on working in the area of site and project management.
What have you experienced so far at Ashe?
During my first three weeks I’ve been at a school in Hertfordshire, inspecting pipework gradients and checking the site dig-out is at the right level.
It’s been incredible to see the amount of detail that goes into all the works from the drawings. It’s been really surprising.
Who’s been supporting you during your first few weeks?
Everyone’s been great. They are very welcoming and supportive, and I couldn’t ask to be working for a better company.
The project managers and site managers have really helped me and always go out of their way to teach me something new.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I hope to still be at Ashe and promoted to a full site manager and potentially running a small project, while on track to becoming a senior site manager.
George Ferdinando, apprentice site supervisor
What training had you done before joining Ashe?
I’ve completed a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning at Bedford College and now I’m on the rotational apprenticeship that will give me an overview of site-related roles over the next two years.
It was really good fun… We learned about the importance of listening and did a team challenge using Lego
George Ferdinando, Ashe Construction
What drew you to a career in the built environment?
My dad works in the industry, so he encouraged me, and I’ve done some work experience at a quantity surveyors.
Which departments have you worked in?
I’ve started in the estimating team on a school and a contract for a large manufacturer, which has shown me what happens behind the scenes before work starts on site.
It’s been really interesting learning about the pre-construction side of things.
Ashe have been brilliant. Everyone has been absolutely lovely and welcoming and they’re really happy to answer all my questions.
I’ll shortly be moving on to a new project at a school in Hertfordshire, and I can’t think of a better way to start my career.
What did you do on the development day?
It was really good fun and a great way to get to know the other apprentices. We learned about the importance of listening and did a team challenge using Lego.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I’m not sure yet, so the rotational apprentice scheme is a good opportunity to try out different construction disciplines and figure out which I like the best.
Gulsheer Khan, second-year apprentice on his last rotation with Ashe
I’ve learnt how every part of a project… works together to deliver a successful build
Gulsheer Khan, Ashe Construction
What’s the best thing you’ve learnt so far?
I’ve learnt how every part of a project from safety and design to costing, surveying and site management works together to deliver a successful build, which you can’t know if you’ve only been in one department.
What piece of advice would you give Olly and George?
I would say ask loads of questions, treat each rotation as a chance to build new skills and embrace every opportunity.
The new trainees will undertake their training at Ashe in partnership with University of Westminster’s Construction Management course and Bedford College’s Site Supervisor Course.
Are you looking for top construction talent? Want to get ahead of the competition? Contact Sophie Holland at CIOB Jobs.
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