Esh Construction is championing a 'growing our own' approach, prioritising the development of apprentices and career changers across its refurbishment division.

The company's gold-standard accreditation in The 5% Club's Employer Audit Scheme underscores its commitment to recruiting, retaining and progressing apprentices and graduates. Five early-career team members – spanning trades from plastering to quantity surveying – have shared their experiences.

Trainee Quantity Surveyor James Platt has completed a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying at New College Durham and will begin a Degree in Construction Quantity Surveying in January to build on his skills. "There are endless opportunities for progression in this industry," said James. "I have always been interested in construction, and I am proud to be following in my mam's footsteps as a quantity surveyor.

"Every day is different, and that's one of the things I love about my role. Getting the chance to be out on site and mix with new people, I am able to learn new skills every day, contributing to my continuous professional development."

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Apprentice Plasterer Mitchell Dixon is studying for a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Plastering at Newcastle College. After a multi-skills course at school, he was drawn to plastering – a trade that runs in the family through his grandad. Having joined Esh after a full-time college course, he has worked across frameworks for Gentoo, Thirteen Group and Riverside, gaining experience on kitchens, bathrooms and rewire projects.

Former full-time footballer James McGeorge opted for joinery, undertaking a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery at New College Durham. Introduced to the industry by his dad, he worked with him at Atkinsons and on home refurbishments. James said: "Different people have different ways of working, so moving around on refurbishment frameworks has allowed me to work alongside a wide range of people, helping with my confidence and enabling me to acquire skills I will take with me for life. Swapping football for joinery has enabled me to secure a future for myself in an industry where I can see myself building a career."

After leaving school, Saul Gowland chose a trade over an office-based career and is pursuing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Joinery at New College Durham. He has learned to use hand and power tools, read drawings and significantly improved his communication skills, both with colleagues and tenants on site.

Awarded Trainee or Apprentice of the Year in Esh's 'The Esh Factor' staff awards, Tyler Mcintosh switched from an initial joinery course to join Esh and study a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Plastering at Redcar & Cleveland College. Tyler described working in the construction industry as a "great industry to start your career in". He added: "I have worked across the Gentoo, Thirteen Group, and Broadacres frameworks. Moving between the three has allowed me to work with different people, gaining expert knowledge every step of the way. You are constantly learning on the job and are also able to make new friends whilst working."