Beard has marked National Apprenticeship Week by confirming its largest early careers cohort to date, with more than 30 apprentices, degree apprentices and T-Level students supported across the business.

The intake underlines the contractor's long-term commitment to developing future construction professionals through multiple learning pathways.

In 2025/26, early careers roles make up around 8% of Beard's 360-strong workforce, compared with a UK construction sector average of about 5%, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Industry data also shows only around 20% of construction businesses employ an apprentice and just 10% employ more than one, underscoring the scale of Beard's skills investment.

The firm currently employs six apprentices in quantity surveying, site management and property maintenance roles, as well as credit control in its central office. A further nine degree apprentices are based across Swindon, Bristol, Guildford and Oxford, studying quantity surveying, design and site management.

For the first time, 15 T-Level students are being supported by the company, including 12 from Abingdon & Witney College, after Beard sponsored the entire Planning for Construction cohort for 2025/26.

"Supporting apprentices, trainees and students through different routes into construction is essential for the future of our business and the wider industry. By offering real responsibility, structured training and long-term career opportunities, we're helping people build rewarding careers while strengthening our teams for the future." said Neil Sherreard, Deputy Chairman.

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From T-Level to site management: Caio's route at Beard

Trainee Site Manager Caio Da Silva is completing a part-time two-year HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Level 4), which began in August 2025, before progressing to a three-year part-time Construction Management or Quantity Surveying degree.

He is currently working on the redevelopment of Burgoyne House in Swindon, gaining hands-on experience across site and project management.

"Beard has been great in treating me like any other member of the team and giving me plenty of responsibility and support. I've been managing the scope of work for the parapet roofs on the project, which has seen me ensure all trades are lined-up and supply chain are working safely, as well as managing timelines, budget and ensuring quality of delivery.

"This is a big responsibility, but I'm keen to learn and take on the challenge."

Caio spends four days on site and one day in online learning through the Learning Skills Partnership.

His apprenticeship follows a T-Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction completed with Beard while at Cirencester College last year, during which he split his time between three days in college and two on site. He worked on the Fraser Centre in Swindon, a new-build scheme of four industrial units.

"It was like a year-long interview," Caio said. "And I knew I wanted to stay on with Beard once my T-Level completed. I kept in touch with the team and my persistence paid off.

"I've returned back to the Swindon office, working with many of the same colleagues, so I kept a good relationship with them and the Beard approach to working too."

Jamie Harwood, Swindon and Health & Safety Director, said "Caio's professionalism, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn impressed the Swindon team during his T-level placement so we were delighted to welcome him back last August on a full-time contract to complete his apprenticeship."

"I never knew I wanted to do this, I had originally thought about studying architecture at university, but it's the best decision I could've made. Construction will be my career now." said Caio Da Silva, Trainee Site Manager.

Beard also has eight construction trainees on year-in-industry placements, many of whom have already been offered full-time roles upon completion of their studies later this year.