This week marks the 17th National Apprenticeship Week, an annual event which aims to showcase the positive impact apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the economy.
As part of the week-long campaign, Esh is showcasing the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship route by celebrating the achievements of both current apprentices and former apprentices.
Beth joined Esh Construction in September 2023 and is studying a degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying. Having worked as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor at another construction company previously, Beth joined Esh as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor and is flourishing in her role.
The 22-year-old from Rotherham works on the Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor project which Esh Construction is delivering on behalf of Rotherham Council. The £6.4 million scheme will promote active travel in Rotherham by introducing 2.8km of new bus lanes and over 2km of new cycle routes, as well as signalised junctions and pedestrian crossing arrangements.
What was your background before your apprenticeship?
I completed my GCSE’s and decided to stay on at Sixth Form, but the subjects I studied weren’t too relevant to being a Quantity Surveyor – I studied health and social care, ICT and English literature and language. I then had a year out to figure out what I wanted to do and started studying quantity surveying full time at Sheffield Hallam University before starting year two of my apprenticeship at Northumbria University when I secured a role at Esh.
What made you want to work in the construction industry?
My dad works in the construction industry which is how I found out about the role of a quantity surveyor. I did some further research on the construction industry and the role itself. I chose to work in construction because every day is different and there are so many opportunities to explore – no day is the same and although there can be challenges, it’s really rewarding seeing projects come together.
Do you have any advice to other women who are weighing up careers or apprenticeships in the industry?
The advice I would give to women who are thinking about a career or apprenticeship in the construction industry is to just go for it. Everyone I have met throughout my career has always been really encouraging and supportive. It’s a great industry to be in, and learning on the job from people with experience is really helpful.
How have you progressed since you first started as an apprentice?
It’s been two and a half years since I started my career, first at another company before joining Esh last year, and I’ve come such a long way since I first started out. I have gained much more confidence and massively developed both my knowledge, skills, and abilities.
What is a typical day like for you in the role of an assistant quantity surveyor?
I am currently working on the Maltby Bus Corridor and Sheffield Road Cycleways project in Rotherham. A typical day for me as an assistant quantity surveyor has recently included pricing compensation events, looking after subcontract packages and monitoring resource on the job and I then attend university every Friday to complete my studies.
It’s been great to be able to work so close to home and see how the projects are going to benefit Rotherham in the long term. You can already see that it’s making a massive difference for the aesthetics of the town and I’m proud to be contributing to it.
What would you say to someone thinking about an apprenticeship at Esh?
Esh is a great place to work where everyone wants to help one another, I have been here for four months now, but I feel like I have been here so much longer. Everyone has been so welcoming and there is a really positive working environment.
What are your future career aspirations?
My aspiration for this year is to see the end of my apprenticeship through and graduate from university. I’m looking forward to the future to see where I end up.
It’s been great to be able to work so close to home and seeing how the projects are going to benefit Rotherham in the long term. You can already see that it’s making a massive difference for the aesthetics of the town and I’m proud to be contributing to it.”
