How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship?
I came across the apprenticeship with Complete Fixing Solutions (CFS) while it was being advertised and immediately saw it as a career opportunity, unlike the part-time job I had at the time.
I applied through the advertised process and was successful, which became the starting point for my career in health and safety.
What aspects of your degree have you found useful in this role?
Studying a history degree has been more useful than I expected, because many of the core academic skills translate directly into both health and safety and project management.
My degree at the University of Essex helped me develop strong critical analysis skills, which are essential when reviewing technical information, interpreting legislation, or assessing risks. It also strengthened my written communication, enabling me to produce clear reports, procedures, and project documentation.
Another valuable aspect is the ability to evaluate evidence, spot patterns, and make balanced decisions, which is important when investigating incidents, reviewing project data, or assessing different approaches to managing work on site.
The degree also strengthened my critical thinking and my ability to present arguments clearly, which has supported me in both stakeholder discussions and my apprenticeship learning.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship in project management?
My company approached me to ask whether I would consider moving into project management, and I immediately saw it as a natural next step. So when the opportunity came up, I grabbed it. The apprenticeship route felt like the best way to gain structured training, practical experience, and the confidence to transition into a more technical, project-focused role.
What apprenticeship are you doing, and how does it work?
After completing a Level 3 Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Technician Apprenticeship, I decided to move on to the Association for Project Management (APM) Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprenticeship with BPP.
The programme combines structured learning with practical workplace experience, allowing me to apply project management principles directly within a construction‑led environment.
The apprenticeship is delivered through a series of modules covering:
- budgeting
- governance
- planning
- project initiation
- risk and issue management
- scheduling
- stakeholder communication.
Teaching is delivered through a blend of seminars led by a tutor, interactive workshops, and online sessions that help build theoretical understanding.
Alongside academic learning, I develop evidence through real workplace activities. I'm currently shadowing live projects, contributing to planning, documentation, and coordination tasks as I build towards taking on responsibility for smaller projects independently.
As I move into the final stage, the End‑Point Assessment (EPA) will include producing a 3,500-word project report, delivering a presentation, and participating in a professional discussion assessing my competency across the full project management standard.
At the end of the programme, I can also choose an additional recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2. This adds an extra professional certification on top of the apprenticeship, strengthening my progression into a more technical project management role.
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?
It's the constant learning and sense of progression. Every module, workshop, and project adds something new to my skillset, and I can feel my confidence growing as I apply what I'm learning in real situations.
I also really enjoy seeing how different project managers and teams approach their work - everyone has their own style and methods, and observing these differences has helped me develop a more rounded understanding of how projects run in practice.
What do you find most challenging?
The technical nature of the content. The course goes into a level of detail that often extends beyond the scope of my day‑to‑day role, so some areas require extra time and focus to fully understand.
While it can be demanding, it has pushed me to broaden my knowledge and gain deeper insight into the wider project management processes that underpin construction projects.
How have you managed to strike the right work/study balance?
I've achieved this by staying organised and planning my time carefully. I set aside dedicated study periods each week, which helps me keep on top of apprenticeship tasks without letting them build up. Having a supportive employer has also made a big difference.
My workload is structured so I can focus on study when needed, and I'm encouraged to take the time needed for apprenticeship activities.
Clear communication, good time management, and breaking tasks into manageable steps have all helped me maintain a healthy balance between my studies and my responsibilities at work.
Tell us about any workplace initiatives you're involved with.
I assist my manager with coordinating the CFS Apprenticeship Team, which includes:
- booking apprentices for training
- helping organise their development pathways
- contributing ideas for team meetings and improvements.
I also support broader internal initiatives to strengthen learning, communication, and consistency across the company. For example:
- contributing to discussions about how we can better support apprentices as they progress
- helping refine onboarding materials
- sharing best practices from both health and safety and project experiences.
These initiatives allow me to play an active role in developing others while continuing to grow within my own career.
What are your biggest achievements in your career so far?
A standout moment from my first apprenticeship was being Highly Commended as a Safety and Health Practitioner (SHP) Rising Star, an award recognising emerging talent in the health and safety profession.
Receiving that recognition so early in my career was a huge confidence boost. It confirmed that the work was valued within the industry and reinforced that I was on the right path. The acknowledgement also:
- helped me build connections with other professionals
- opened doors to new opportunities
- motivated me to keep developing my skills.
Another highlight has been being invited to speak on BBC Radio London, where I discussed the benefits of apprenticeships and shared my own journey. Having the chance to represent apprentices and talk publicly about the value of vocational routes was a proud moment for me, and it showed just how far I've come since starting my first apprenticeship.
What are your career goals?
Once my apprenticeship is complete, my current health and safety role will be replaced, allowing me to transition fully into project management. I can then take on more responsibility, lead projects more independently, and apply the skills and knowledge I've built.
My focus is on continuing to grow professionally and deepen my technical understanding. Over time, I want to take on more senior responsibilities, contributing to the organisation's wider goals and supporting others in their development.
Ultimately, I want to keep building momentum in project management and make a positive impact as I advance in my career.
What would you like aspiring construction apprentices to know?
- You don't need a degree to get started. Many people think construction apprenticeships require formal qualifications or a university background, but that isn't always the case. I could have entered my first apprenticeship without a degree, and it still opened the door to a strong career path. If you're willing to learn and put in the work, there are genuine opportunities to grow.
- Apprenticeships give you valuable hands‑on experience. One of the biggest benefits is being able to learn by doing. You gain practical skills, work with experienced professionals, and build confidence on real projects - something you simply can't get from classroom learning alone.
- There are clear progression routes. Construction is an industry where development is visible and achievable. I've seen colleagues start as apprentices, move into supervisor roles, and work their way toward management positions in their early 20s. If you want a career with structure, growth, and long‑term potential, an apprenticeship can be a brilliant starting point.
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