February marks the celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, a week that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to show the positive impact that apprenticeships make.
At RLB, we are strong advocates of the apprenticeship route, having operated our apprentice scheme for over three decades and with some of our senior partners having begun their careers at RLB through this pathway. We firmly believe apprentices bring fresh perspectives, valuable knowledge and highly transferable skills that strengthen our business.
Here, we talk to some of RLB’s apprentices, past and present, as well as Sarah Draper, RLB’s People and Culture Director, on why she feels apprenticeships are so important for the built environment.
We need to look at how we open up our industry to as many people as possible, attracting the broadest sense of talent, allow people to move around. If you have worked in one environment or studied, you’ve generally got a lot of transferable skills.
Sarah Draper, RLB People & Culture Director, UK & Europe
RLB’s apprenticeships allow learning while earning, in a supportive company that puts career and development first, helping gain academic as well as industry-wide qualifications, but also broadening skillsets and networks.
Becoming an apprentice has opened doors I never thought possible. I’ve learned so much and I’m only just getting started!
Kate Stewart, Assistant Building Surveyor (Graduate)
Don’t just limit your learning to what’s inside the business – there’s so many networking and social opportunities outside of work that can help you grow and build new skills, and RLB is incredibly supportive of getting involved.
Aisha Toussaint, Health and Safety and CDM Apprentice
Those who have been part of RLB’s apprenticeship programme, whether apprentices or as mentors and supporters, have found the experience both rewarding and more valuable than they ever anticipated.
Speaking to colleagues who are new to the industry and hearing their perspectives and insights is really valuable to me. Understanding their needs and what they expect from the business also helps me become a better leader.
Matt Summerhill, Partner Lead for UK North, RLB apprentice, 1996
Supporting an apprentice has been incredibly rewarding. Having gone through the process myself, I can share practical advice on balancing work, study and development. Watching their confidence grow as they become more independent and make a real impact on the team is fantastic.
Jamie Ali, Associate Cost Manager, RLB apprentice, 2018
Being part of RLB has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. The support has helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Shahinoor Azad, Assistant Cost Manager (Apprentice)
At RLB, we are committed to investing in apprenticeships, empowering the next generation of talent to shape the future of the built environment, as Sarah Draper, RLB’s People & Culture Director comments, “The industry is evolving so fast, coming in on an apprenticeship pathway, you’re actually evolving and learning with it.”
To find out more about RLB’s Apprenticeship programme, please visit the Careers page and explore the opportunities available.
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