Building futures with apprenticeships

As the UK moves toward net zero, and digital construction transforms how we create and maintain buildings, the industry is changing rapidly. Nearly a third of roles will soon demand new or enhanced capabilities, particularly in renewable technologies, low‑carbon heating and energy‑efficient installation.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke with Kate Jansen, Chief People Officer at Willmott Dixon, and Kayleigh Johnson, Head of Talent at Fortem (pic left).

They shared why apprenticeships matter, how they strengthen local communities, and why investing in the next generation of talent is critical for the future of our industry.

Apprenticeships: A Foundation for the Future

At Willmott Dixon, apprenticeships sit right at the heart of our long-term approach to developing talent. Kate describes them as a vital part of the company’s DNA:

“Right now, we have 93 apprentices and 57 people on earn‑and‑learn routes. What makes me proud is that 95% complete their programmes — and 90% go on to secure permanent roles. For many people, an apprenticeship can be the moment someone sees a new future for themselves: earning while they learn, gaining qualifications they’re proud of, and being supported by people who genuinely want to help them to succeed.”

At Fortem, Kayleigh says apprenticeships drive both business success and community impact:

“As a national business with long-term contracts, we’re committed to leaving a legacy in the communities where we operate. Since 2002, Fortem has trained more than 350 apprentices, offering opportunities across trades, office roles and specialist areas. They’re not just learning a skill; they’re starting their careers in this thriving industry.”

She adds that apprenticeships offer something unique: “The ability to earn while learning makes gaining qualifications from Level 2 to Level 7 much more attainable. Many apprentices stay with the business, and those who don’t still leave with lifelong skills.”

“Our award-winning apprenticeship program offers a pathway to lifelong skills, a recognised qualification, and a competitive salary. Through employment and skills, Fortem is directly impacting communities, something we are proud of.”

Attracting the Next Generation into Construction

The skills shortage across construction is becoming increasingly urgent. Kayleigh points to a Checkatrade report estimating the UK will need 1.3 million new skilled tradespeople and 350,000 apprentices by 2033.

“That’s why programmes like Pathways4Life, which encompasses all routes to employment, are so important. We’ve supported hundreds of apprentices and management trainees into long term careers.”

Fortem is already addressing this through their Retrofit Access Programme, which offers 12-24 month fixed-term roles to those aged over 18 who face barriers to work, including people who are unemployed, from disadvantaged backgrounds, or living near project sites.

“Through apprenticeships and our Retrofit Access Programme, we’re equipping people with the skills needed to build greener, warmer homes,” Kayleigh explains.

Both Willmott Dixon and Fortem have introduced T Level placements, engaging with young people earlier and building a future talent pipeline that keeps pace with industry change.

In 2025, Willmott Dixon was awarded Platinum status by the 5% Club, confirming that 10.9% of our workforce are actively developing their skills through earn‑and‑learn programmes — from apprenticeships and degree courses to graduate schemes, NVQs and T Levels.

Driving Diversity Through Opportunity

Progress is being made across the industry, but challenges remain. Women make up around 15% of the construction workforce, and representation of ethnic minorities in leadership roles is still disproportionately low.

Kate says early engagement is key: “It’s so important to change perceptions of the construction industry and talking to people at a younger age can open minds to new rewarding careers.”

She continues: “For me, apprenticeships are one of the most powerful ways to widen access to our industry. If we want a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve, we must remove the barriers that prevent people from entering and progressing in the sector.

“What I love about apprenticeships is that they open the door for people who might not see traditional routes as accessible. Because they’re paid, practical and supported, they give people from all backgrounds, ages and life experiences the confidence to step into the industry and build a career.”

For Fortem, local recruitment goes hand in hand with their approach to social value. As Kayleigh puts it: "With contracts lasting over a decade, we're committed to leaving a positive legacy where we work. Recruiting locally helps us do more than fix a leak or install insulation. It helps us build healthy, vibrant communities."

People Growing, Achieving and Thriving

When asked about standout moments, both Kate and Kayleigh return to the same theme: watching people flourish.

Kate says: “One standout moment for me was when a member of my team achieved a distinction in her Data Apprenticeship. Watching her challenge herself, grow, and achieve something she was genuinely proud of reminded me exactly why apprenticeships matter.”

For Kayleigh, Fortem’s annual Apprentice and Trainee Awards is a particular highlight:

“You see how far people have come in just a short space of time — their achievements, their growth. It’s a real celebration of what’s possible when people are supported and believed in.”

How Apprenticeships and the Management Trainee Scheme Work Together

Both companies rely on apprenticeships and Management Trainee Schemes, each serving distinct purposes while complementing one another.

Kate explains: “Our well-established Management Trainee Scheme is for people with strong leadership potential, ready for accelerated development. Apprenticeships, on the other hand, offer a practical route into construction from age 16, with qualifications right up to Level 7.”

“Some apprentices later join the Management Trainee Scheme, while others become skilled technical experts. Both routes are equally valued — and together they form a powerful pipeline for the future.”

A Shared Vision

Whether it’s Fortem or Willmott Dixon, the message is clear: apprenticeships transform lives, strengthen communities and secure the future of the construction industry.

And as Kate and Kayleigh show, they also offer something more personal — moments of pride, opportunity, growth and genuine human connection.