Ground engineering contractor Van Elle has used National Apprenticeship Week's Employer Tuesday to outline how its apprenticeship programmes, school outreach and flexible training routes are helping people build skills for life and move into sustained careers.

The business says apprenticeships are central to developing its future workforce, offering recruits the chance to earn while they learn, gain on-site experience and build both technical capability and broader workplace skills that support progression.

Opportunities span a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, quantity surveying, business administration, IT, procurement and HR, underlining the breadth of roles available and the different pathways into a career in ground engineering.

Van Elle also supports flexible entry routes, such as part-time pathways for those moving from full-time study, enabling individuals to combine academic learning with practical, real-world experience.

Talent development begins before employment, with the company working with schools and colleges, attending careers fairs and offering work experience and interview practice sessions. These activities are designed to raise awareness of the sector and help young people build confidence before stepping into the workplace.

Apprentices are encouraged to develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication and leadership skills alongside on-the-job training, preparing them to take on greater responsibilities as their careers advance.

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Nils Rollinson, Quantity Surveyor, said: "In 2025, I completed a five-year apprenticeship, earning a First Class Honours in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. During the apprenticeship, I gained not only technical knowledge in cost management and contracts, but also essential skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The hands-on experience gave me the confidence to take on more responsibility, from managing projects to mentoring junior team members, and laid the foundation for my career in ground engineering. Van Elle has been incredibly accommodating, giving me all the time I needed to focus on my education. I'm now looking forward to completing my pathway to becoming a Chartered Surveyor. The easiest decision I ever made was to become an apprentice, combining part-time study with work. It allowed me to gain valuable experience working with industry experts, which you don't get from attending university full time."

Conor White, Project Manager, said: "During my apprenticeship as a Civil Engineer, I gained valuable practical experience on site and learned how to solve real-world engineering challenges. Beyond technical skills, the programme helped me develop leadership and team collaboration skills that I use every day in my role. I was trusted with managing large projects while completing my degree, which prepared me for the greater responsibilities I now handle in my current role. I also gained a broad understanding of how the business operates and extensive knowledge across different sectors. I'm very fortunate to work for a business that provides both support and responsibilities to its apprentices. I received excellent guidance from my team whenever needed, and that support continues in my role today. My apprenticeship laid the foundation for my career, and I have continued to progress since. I would highly recommend this route to anyone."

Recognising that ground engineering has historically been male dominated, Van Elle says it is working to attract more women and people from diverse backgrounds. Through structured training, mentoring and exposure to different parts of the business, its programmes aim to build a skilled, adaptable workforce with clear routes for progression.

Showcasing its approach on Employer Tuesday, the company says its apprenticeships help to develop talent, address skills gaps and create sustainable careers, representing an investment in the next generation of ground engineering professionals.