National Apprenticeship Week 2026 at Civic
What does an apprenticeship at Civic actually look like? We had a chat with some of our team this National Apprenticeship Week to find out..
This week, we’re celebrating some of the brilliant apprentices across Civic - and the impact they’re already making. Their ideas, curiosity and day-to-day contributions support and shape our work.
At Civic, we believe diversity is a superpower. Our apprentices bring different skills, experiences and perspectives that strengthen our teams, challenge our thinking and help us deliver better outcomes for communities, clients and collaborators across the built environment. When people are supported to be themselves, innovation follows.
We recently caught up with a few of our apprentices to talk about their journey so far - what they’ve learned, what’s surprised them, and the advice they’d give to anyone considering an apprenticeship.
Abdulla Akram, IT Apprentice, Manchester
What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?
During my time at Civic so far, I have gained experience across a range of different fields, but the skill I have developed most unexpectedly is my communication. This apprenticeship enables me to work with a diverse range of teams, from engineers to senior executives, which has helped me build confidence and communicate effectively with people at all levels.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
One of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on focused on social value. I helped restore old laptops and PCs that were then donated to a local charity. It was really rewarding to be part of something that gave equipment a second life while supporting people in the community who could genuinely benefit from it.
Who’s made the biggest difference to your learning at Civic, and why?
My team has been incredibly supportive throughout my apprenticeship. They’ve given me hands-on exposure across the IT field, from servers to networking, and consistently encourage me to ask questions and get involved. That support has played a huge role in shaping both my learning and my future aspirations.
What advice would you tell your day-one self now? Or someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
I’d tell my day-one self to take every opportunity to gain hands-on experience, whether that’s shadowing others or getting involved in projects and meetings. I’d also remind myself to be patient - progress takes time, and every small step really does count.
Adam Shutt, Engineer Technician Apprentice, London
What Skills have you developed that you didn't expect to?
I didn’t expect communication to be such a key part of my role, but I’ve found it’s incredibly important when working with different team members. I’ve also developed my ability to multitask and adapt in high-pressure situations – both skills that have grown far more than I anticipated.
What's the most interesting project you've worked on so far?
The most interesting project I’ve worked on so far is the construction of a UK football stadium. It’s given me the chance to work with people across a wide range of engineering services, from drainage design to 3D structural modelling. Getting out on site and seeing something I helped design being built has been a real highlight.
What part of your role do you enjoy more now than when you first started?
When I first started, I had very little experience presenting to an audience. Over time, I’ve had several opportunities to present my work and talk about the projects I’ve been involved in, and I now genuinely enjoy this part of the role much more than I expected to.
What advice would you tell your day-one self now? Or someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
I’d advise anyone starting an apprenticeship to establish a routine early on. Balancing work and study can be challenging, but planning ahead really helps make the experience more manageable and less stressful. The opportunity to learn through real-world experience is invaluable, and it far outweighs the initial challenges.
Jolee Dempsey – Civil Engineer Apprentice, Manchester
What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?
One skill I didn’t expect to develop so quickly is confidence in communicating with people across the business. When I first started, I assumed the technical side of engineering would be the biggest challenge. Instead, I’ve learned just how important it is to ask the right questions, explain my thinking clearly, and contribute to conversations with more experienced colleagues. That’s been a big and unexpected part of my growth.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
The most interesting project I’ve worked on so far is the redevelopment of a heritage college building in Manchester into a hotel. It’s been a great opportunity to learn about the complexities of converting an existing building, especially one with its own history and constraints.
Being part of wider design team meetings has been a real highlight. Seeing how different services come together, balance requirements and shape decisions has given me a much better appreciation of how collaborative civil engineering really is.
What advice would you tell your day-one self now? Or someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
I’d tell my day-one self not to be afraid of not knowing everything. An apprenticeship is about learning, asking questions and growing at your own pace – nobody expects you to have all the answers straight away. I’d also say not to underestimate the value of small steps. Every drawing, calculation and conversation adds up and builds your confidence quicker than you might expect.
What part of your role do you enjoy more now than when you first started?
I’ve grown to really enjoy the technical problem-solving side of my role. At the beginning it felt overwhelming, but as my confidence has grown, it’s become one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I enjoy understanding how different elements of a design fit together and seeing how my input contributes to the bigger picture.
I also enjoy using industry software much more now. Tools that once felt complicated, like drainage design software or AutoCAD, are now something I actively enjoy developing my skills in. It’s rewarding to see my work become part of real projects.
Jay Wilson - Engineer Technician Apprentice, Glasgow
What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?
One skill I didn’t expect to develop so strongly is my ability to multitask and switch between tasks and contexts. Working across multiple projects in the same week means managing my own time, prioritising workloads, and moving between technical work with engineers and administrative tasks to make sure everything is delivered on time. This has given me a really varied experience, allowing me to work on different structures, projects and software week to week, and it’s a skill that’s useful far beyond the workplace.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
The most interesting project I’ve worked on is Shore Station, largest single-site purpose built student accommodation in Leith, Edinburgh. It’s a unique development made up of seven buildings, and almost everyone in the structures team has been involved at different stages. I often use it as a reference point for Civic standards, as it includes almost every type of drawing I’ve worked on - from foundations and substructure to superstructure, as well as the Revit standards we use across projects.
What part of your role do you enjoy more now than when you first started?
I’ve always enjoyed the software and drawing side of the role, but one area that felt intimidating at first was checking reinforced concrete (RC) detailing. The amount of information on the drawings can be overwhelming initially, but once I understood the methods, I found it really rewarding. It’s also sparked a wider interest in RC design theory, and this year I’ll be taking part in RC detailing and theory-based rebar design training courses to build on that interest.
Who’s made the biggest difference to your learning at Civic, and why?
My line manager, Emma Smith, has had the biggest impact on my progression at Civic. She started her career in the same role I’m in now, so she really understands the challenges and learning curve. Whether it’s technician-based questions, theory, or support with my college course, she’s always willing to help. Having someone who’s been through the same journey makes a huge difference.
Interested in starting your own journey with Civic? Keep an eye on our careers page for upcoming apprenticeship opportunities across London, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin.
More insights
Life at Civic