A LEADING civil engineering firm’s full degree apprenticeship scheme has been lauded by a trio of north Wales learners who are approaching the halfway mark of their studies.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s commitment to nurturing the future of the industry took another giant step forward when it launched the improved programme in 2024.
That saw the 2022 intake of 10 move to the new-look arrangement, which leads to a BEng (Hons) in civil engineering or a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying.
Half-a-dozen are from north Wales, with Huw Wilyman, Toby Laurie, Llion Pritchard, Harley Durak, Jacob Evans, and Twm Tudor based in the region.
Huw, who lives in Abergele, has had extensive experience on landfill sites, including Bletchley, Milton, Blackborough End, Calvert, and Stewartby.
The 21-year-old said: “It’s been good, and I’ve learned a lot as well as been on many different waste management projects across the UK.
“It’s very beneficial to be involved in these types of schemes.”
On the course as a whole, Huw added: “You can throw yourself in 100 per cent and then when you are back in class you can concentrate solely on that, which is great.
“It has been extremely good. You can finish a degree with people that have been to university, but you have got experience, knowledge, and know the job you are going to do inside and out.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world, and I can’t wait to see where I go from here.”
It’s a similar story for Toby, who hails from Wrexham.
The 21-year-old said: “I’ve learned loads, especially working at Holyhead Border Control, where I’ve been helping with drainage, foundations, and earthworks.
“I said I wanted a job where I learned a lot, and this certainly has fulfilled that. My experience at Holyhead has made me look forward to the next two years.
“I’d 100 per cent recommend this apprenticeship to others.”
Anglesey born and raised Twm Tudor echoed the thoughts of his colleagues as he sang the praises of the scheme.
He declared: “I am really loving my work on a daily basis and so happy I chose this path. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
The 20-year-old has been able to work close to home on tidal energy development Morlais, whilst he has also been at one of the UK’s biggest battery storage schemes at the multi-million-pound South Wales-based Uskmouth.
He said: “I am enjoying my work as I gain experience on site, and hopefully, I am developing as a young engineer.
“I can’t wait to see what is in store for me going forward with Jones Bros after gaining self-confidence and understanding when it comes to the work I’m asked to do.
“It’s great to get a glimpse at what the future of civil engineering looks like, and I am glad I am having first-hand experience of renewables projects so early in my career.”
Matthew Owen, a tutor with Coleg Cambria, which has partnered with neighbours Wrexham University to run the full degree apprenticeship is thrilled with the progress made by the 2022 intake.
He said: “Each learner has completed a full year of practical experience, refreshed their skills, and is fully prepared to embark on the next stage of their journey.
“The enthusiasm and drive to succeed within the classroom remain exceptionally high, with a strong and positive start evident across the board.
“This commitment sets an excellent foundation for continued success throughout the programme.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.
For more information, visit the Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK website.
