Students salute higher apprenticeship scheme run by Jones Bros 10th Feb 2025
A leading civil engineering firm’s full degree apprenticeship scheme has been lauded by learners across the UK who are approaching the halfway mark of their studies.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s commitment to nurturing the future of the industry took another giant step forward when it helped launch the improved programme in 2024.
That saw the 2022 intake of 10 move to the new-look arrangement at Coleg Cambria , which has partnered with neighbours Wrexham University to run the full degree apprenticeship that leads to a BEng (Hons) in civil engineering or a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying.
The students are Huw Wilyman, Toby Laurie, Llion Pritchard, Harley Durak, Jacob Evans, and Twm Tudor, who hail from North Wales, Scottish duo Alex Trickey and Freddie Brown, Durham’s Joseph Boucher, and Shropshire’s William Howell.
Huw, who lives in Abergele, is one of the higher apprentices placed on the scheme and has had extensive experience on landfill sites, including Bletchley, Milton, Blackborough End, Calvert, and Stewartby.
The 21-year-old said: “You can throw yourself in 100 per cent and then when you are back in class you can concentrate solely on that, which is great.
“It has been extremely good. You can finish a degree with people that have been to university, but you have got experience, knowledge, and know the job you are going to do inside and out.”
Scottish learner Freddie, who has worked on the £300million 49-turbine North Kyle Wind Farm in Dalmellington, also applauded the programme.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself as well as plenty about being on a construction site and civil engineering,” said the 23-year-old. “It’s been a good start to this episode of my career.
“The people I have worked with have all been really supportive and friendly.
“I’ve had some great mentors, who have taught me a lot.”
Having also worked on North Kyle Wind Farm, Durham-based Joe shared his wide-variety of experiences.
He said: “It gives you an insight into everything behind the on-site work. You might be out all-day doing surveying, but you don’t realise the paperwork that needs to be completed.
“It’s a privilege to have been given that responsibility and I would absolutely 100 per cent recommend the scheme.”
Oswestry’s William, 20, echoes Joe’s sentiment after working on the Isle of Grain in Kent, a £2.4 billion project to create the first direct link between the UK and German electricity networks.
He said: “I’ve learned about different construction methods, from drainage to how highways are built, and I want to continue that development, so wherever I go in the future I have a depth of knowledge that will be beneficial to me.”
Matthew Owen, a tutor with Coleg Cambria, is thrilled with the progress made by the 2022 intake.
He said: “Each learner has completed a full year of practical experience, refreshed their skills, and is fully prepared to embark on the next stage of their journey.
“The enthusiasm and drive to succeed within the classroom remain exceptionally high, with a strong and positive start evident across the board.
“This commitment sets an excellent foundation for continued success throughout the programme.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.