Apprentices are a vital part of Lagan Construction Group’s (LCG) workforce. Every year we strive to attract the very best calibre of apprentices and provide them with the hands on practical knowledge that they will need for a long and impactful career in construction.
With Apprenticeship Week upon us, LCG wants to take the opportunity to highlight why apprentices are important to us, showcase our young talent and explain the application process for those interested in taking the first step of their career in construction.
Why Apprentices are important to us
After 2008, the UK’s construction industry experienced a tight squeeze that was felt by all. With the industry currently generating almost £90 billion annually across the UK (6.7% of GDP) and employing in excess of 2.93 million people, it is vital that young talent is brought into the industry and trained and developed effectively.
According to the Institution of Civil Engineers, 22% of the UK’s Construction workforce are over 50, and 15% are in their 60s. Apprenticeships help open up routes for those that may be reaching the end of their career to pass on the invaluable knowledge and expertise that they have acquired to those that are fresh to the industry and keen to learn. Only by attracting the very best and equipping them with skills that we have spent decades fine-tuning as a business, can LCG do its part to tackle the current ‘skills shortage’ we are experiencing in the industry.
“Lagan Construction Group are highly supportive of their apprentices ensuring that they receive high quality training, are exposed to high quality projects and that their pastoral needs are also catered for.
They actively support the development of programmes appropriate for their own business needs, the needs of the industry in general and those of the apprentices themselves.” (Mick Hinds, Faculty Head of Construction at Stepherson College, Loughborough, one of LCG’s apprenticeship partners.)
Lagan Construction Group’s Apprentices
Meet some of our apprentices below:
Becoming a Lagan Construction Group Apprentice
If you have reached the end of your school education and are wondering whether university is the correct path for you, an apprenticeship at Lagan Construction Group may be the answer. Beyond the professional qualification that you will receive at the end of the programme, you will also be given the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’, travel across the UK and network amongst some of the industry’s most respected individuals. This is your chance to fast track your career by joining a diverse, growing and respected organisation that rewards hard work and dedication.
How to apply
There are three different routes to becoming a Lagan Construction Group Apprentice:
Route 1: Stephenson College Civil Engineering & Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship programme
Study at Stephenson College in Loughborough on an 8 Week Study Block, then being released to work on one of Lagan Construction Group’s UK sites.
Entry requirements:
A minimum of five GCSEs grade A* – C, including English, Maths (grade B or above desirable) and Science.
For more information on the application process, please contact recruitment@laganconstruction.com.
Route 2: Work+ Civil Engineering apprenticeship
Applications are now open for Work+ Civil Engineering apprenticeships, closing 23 March 2017.
The apprenticeship takes two years to complete. You will be released from your workplace one day a week to receive training. The programme has no fees, a £10,000 starting salary and provides a pathway to professional qualifications.
Entry requirements:
A minimum of five GCSEs grade A* – C, including English, Maths (grade B or above desirable) and Science. Essential Skills Literacy Level 2 may be accepted in place of GCSE English.
Applications for the Work+ Apprenticeship can be made via the following URL: https://www.ice.org.uk/near-you/uk/northern-ireland/education#work+-apprenticeship
Route 3: H&J Martin Apprenticeships
As part of Lagan Construction Group, H&J Martin offer a range of apprenticeships across different sectors. For more information on how to become an apprentice at H&J Martin, please contact recruitment@laganconstruction.com.