Gallagher Group are celebrating and supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2025. A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Gallagher Group believe strongly in providing opportunities to young people, helping them to break into the construction industry and go on to enjoy a long and fulfilling career with us. Providing apprenticeships are key to achieving that aim. To help provide an insight into apprenticeships with Gallagher Group, we asked some of our own apprentices what their experiences have been.
Chris Goodson
An Apprentice Civil Engineer
Embarking on a career in construction is a unique journey, and for Chris Goodson, an apprentice at Gallagher Group, it’s been a path shaped by learning, growth, and hands-on experience. As a current HNC Civil Engineering apprentice, Chris reflects on the steps that have brought him to where he is now, as well as his future aspirations in the industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
Both my Father and Grandfather work in construction and have always been my role models.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
A Data Centre in East London, I was very inexperienced, and had to learn quickly on the job which helped me develop skills in a fast-paced environment.
What skills have you learned during your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect?
People management and gaining self-confidence when speaking confidently with business leaders.
How has working with experienced professionals helped you develop?
I am a visual and hands-on learner, working closely with Senior Engineers has really shaped my knowledge and personal development.
How has your confidence grown since starting your apprenticeship?
My confidence has grown considerably since beginning my apprenticeship in engineering both technically and personally.
Have you had a mentor or team member who has made a big impact on your journey?
James and Paul, both Senior Engineers, have been invaluable mentors and have also become good friends.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Working as a Senior Engineer helping to mentor and train new apprentices and pass on what I have learnt.
How has this apprenticeship shaped your career goals?
My apprenticeship has helped me realise that with hard work and a desire to learn, senior positions and career progression is very achievable.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship as a route into construction?
100%
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in construction?
It is the best way to start a career in any industry, especially engineering. You are supported on site by your team and it’s a great opportunity to gain experience both practically and technically on the job.
If you could sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words, what would they be?
Change, confidence and support.
Ethan Lancaster
An Apprentice Site Engineer
Ethan’s apprenticeship at Gallagher Group is a testament to how hands-on experience and education can merge to shape the future of a construction career. Currently undertaking a Site Engineer apprenticeship while studying for an HNC in Civil Engineering, Ethan shares insights into his journey, his growth, and his aspirations.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
I began as a Groundworker and quickly realised I preferred the problem solving that came with being an engineer. I enjoy interpreting drawings and implementing these on site and being able to spot errors on drawings.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
I have only completed one project since starting my apprenticeship, which consisted of 5 separate buildings. With a fast-paced programme, it was a great way to learn quickly.
What skills have you learned during your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect?
My organisation skills have greatly improved. Throughout my day I have to juggle looking after multiple teams and ensure all Quality Assurance Sheets have been completed. It’s important to stay proactive rather than reactive when working in this industry.
How has working with experienced professionals helped you develop?
Working under an experienced Senior Engineer has been amazing; the knowledge and expertise which I am getting could not be gained by just studying. I have learnt good working habits from colleagues, something for me to carry forward when I am a qualified engineer myself.
How has your confidence grown since starting your apprenticeship?
My confidence has definitely grown since starting my apprenticeship. I’ve always felt confident in speaking to people, however, my knowledge around site engineering has developed, I can now assist planning and setting out for site teams with confidence.
Have you had a mentor or team member who has made a big impact on your journey?
Thomas, the Senior Engineer, has helped me develop. When I have made mistakes, he has always been very constructive with his feedback rather than being negative. This is a great way to learn and avoid making these errors again.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would like to be a qualified Site Engineer, working on large scale projects.
How has this apprenticeship shaped your career goals?
Since doing the apprenticeship it has improved my confidence in the fact that I am able to gain a qualification whilst also working in a job role I enjoy. It has confirmed my choice of career.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship as a route into construction?
I think the apprenticeship route into construction is a great opportunity and I urge others to do the same.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in construction?
My advice would be to ask as many questions as you can, whilst on site or at college. Also, do not be afraid to speak up, it can be daunting to talk in front of Senior Engineers or Project Managers however, sometimes your ideas can be the right idea.
If you could sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words, what would they be?
Challenging, rewarding, and fun!
Jack Hellier
An Apprentice Civil Engineer
Jack Hellier, an apprentice at Gallagher Group, is currently pursuing an HNC in Civil Engineering at Level 4. His journey in the construction industry is marked by growth, hands-on experience, and the guidance of seasoned professionals, making his apprenticeship a key stepping stone toward a successful engineering career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
Inspiration from a career’s advisor explaining the role of an engineer and the day-to-day duties.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
Chilmington Green Secondary School, I worked on this job from the very start to hand over, which gave me great insight into the construction sequencing on the project.
What skills have you learned during your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect?
People skills and resilience.
How has working with experienced professionals helped you develop?
Greatly, there is always someone who can help you and be supportive.
How has your confidence grown since starting your apprenticeship?
Massively, as I have been surrounded by great team.
Have you had a mentor or team member who has made a big impact on your journey?
Sam, my Senior Engineer, day to day teaching and mentoring.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Qualified Gallagher Engineer.
How has this apprenticeship shaped your career goals?
By being more determined and working harder to learn more.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship as a route into construction?
Yes, hands-on experience on the job whilst gaining a qualification.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in construction?
Always listen to the advice given by professionals and your team.
If you could sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words, what would they be?
Fun, different and interesting.
Luke Ridgewell
An Apprentice Civil Engineer
Luke Ridgwell is currently an apprentice civil engineer at Gallagher Group, embarking on a journey that is both challenging and rewarding. Through his apprenticeship, Luke is gaining valuable experience, learning from professionals, and charting the path toward his career goals in construction.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
My dad who works in the industry.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
Having just started my apprenticeship, I am on my first project, which is exciting and rewarding so far.
What skills have you learned during your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect?
How to handle various problems and come up with ways to overcome them.
How has working with experienced professionals helped you develop?
It has allowed me to have an insight into how to present myself, and how to work in a professional environment.
How has your confidence grown since starting your apprenticeship?
My confidence has grown greatly.
Have you had a mentor or team member who has made a big impact on your journey?
Yes George, the Site Engineer I am working with now.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Reaching my dreams and making myself and others proud.
How has this apprenticeship shaped your career goals?
It has allowed me to have the option of gaining work experience whilst completing the course.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship as a route into construction?
Yes, as on the job experience is extremely valuable.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in construction?
Just do it!!
If you could sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words, what would they be?
Challenging, fun and variety.
Philippa Golding
An Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
Philippa Golding’s journey into the world of construction has been shaped by opportunity, learning, and mentorship. As a former temp in the accounts department, Philippa never imagined that she would end up in the commercial side of construction. However, she is now working towards becoming a RICS Chartered Surveyor while continuing to gain experience as an apprentice Quantity Surveyor.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
My mum works in the accounts department, so I joined as a temp in accounts. I didn’t realise the variety of roles within construction and was offered the opportunity by Gallaghers to join the commercial department as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
The Excel project has been a rewarding project to work on because it was the first project I have seen through independently from start to finish.
What skills have you learned during your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect?
The apprenticeship gave me a great base knowledge for the construction industry from the perspective of main contractor work.
How has working with experienced professionals helped you develop?
Working with experienced personnel has provided me with a much more detailed and wider range of information specific to groundworks whereas the course provided a broader understanding of topics.
How has your confidence grown since starting your apprenticeship?
I have become far more independent compared to when I began my apprenticeship as I learnt a lot of valuable information throughout the duration of my course. I am also more confident in my knowledge and understanding topics which has improved my communication with both colleagues and clients.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the next five years I would like to be a chartered QS working towards promotions to a higher position as a QS.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship as a route into construction?
An apprenticeship has been a great option in my experience because my course was tailored towards a main contractor perspective. Working alongside professionals with years of civils experience has helped me to develop specifically to our line of works.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in construction?
I would encourage them to take the opportunity and to absorb as much information from experienced colleagues as possible.
Rhys Moon
An Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
Rhys Moon, a Degree Apprentice in BSc Hons Quantity Surveying at Gallagher Group, is on a path to becoming a qualified Quantity Surveyor. His journey has been one of discovery, growth, and immense personal development, as he balances his education with hands-on experience in the construction industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
Both my parents work in construction, following my work experience I realised construction was the path for me.
What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve worked on so far?
A Data Centre in Essex.
What skills have you learned during your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect?
I have developed multiple skills, in particular, negotiating skills alongside day-to-day management and challenges within a project.
How has working with experienced professionals helped you develop?
Working with experienced professionals has allowed me to develop my skills along with assisting me in understanding and learning all features within my role.
How has your confidence grown since starting your apprenticeship?
Massively, I have definitely become more confident especially in my areas of weakness.
Have you had a mentor or team member who has made a big impact on your journey?
Yes, a few which have developed me into where I am today.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
As a qualified Quantity Surveyor with my own projects.
How has this apprenticeship shaped your career goals?
It has ticked every career goal I have and continues to tick many more.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship as a route into construction?
Definitely, 100%.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in construction?
Do it! There is so much to learn and every day there is a new challenge.
If you could sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words, what would they be?
Rewarding, challenging and educational.
Sydney Miller
An Apprentice Chartered Surveyor
Sydney Miller is currently embarking on an exciting career journey as part of the Chartered Surveying BSc apprenticeship at Gallagher Group. Her path into the construction industry has been shaped by family influence and a passion for the sector, and she is now well on her way to becoming a skilled professional in the field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
My family have always worked within the industry.
What skills have you learned during your apprenticeship that you didn’t expect?
During my apprenticeship, I unexpectedly learned how to adapt quickly to changing priorities, improve my communication skills in a professional setting, and navigate problem-solving in real-time under pressure. These skills weren’t part of the technical training but have been invaluable for my personal and professional growth.
How has working with experienced professionals helped you develop?
Their guidance has helped me, gain practical insights, and adopt industry best practices. Their feedback and mentorship have also boosted my confidence and taught me how to approach challenges with a professional mindset.
How has your confidence grown since starting your apprenticeship?
My confidence has grown immensely during almost 2 years of working here. It has had a big impact on me from communicating with clients and tenants from the start.
Have you had a mentor or team member who has made a big impact on your journey?
Personally, my line manager Joe Heathfield, has had a big impact on my journey as he is always sharing new ideas and skills that would help me in the future.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years’, time I hope to have completed my apprenticeship and gained all new knowledge and skills I will need to take on into the future and work towards gaining a chartership.
How has this apprenticeship shaped your career goals?
It opens the pathway to all the different careers there are within the industry and has inspired me to work even harder to get to where I would like to be.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship as a route into construction?
100%, because from a young age I was able to balance my working life and education and bring new skills into my college life that I wouldn’t learn/ find on a usual sixth form course.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship in construction?
Go for it!
If you could sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words, what would they be?
Extraordinary, inspiring and promising.
