SJ Roberts Construction Ltd has opened applications for its 2026 trainee cohort, expanding opportunities across multiple disciplines as the industry prioritises capability and capacity on site and in technical roles. The firm was recognised among the UK Government's top SME apprenticeship employers last year, reflecting its standing in national skills development.

The 2026 intake will span carpentry, brickwork, plumbing, electrical work, engineering, quantity surveying, architectural technology and site management. The company will also support T Level students on the 'Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction' course, alongside work experience placements and site visits for other local students.

With more than 20 years' experience in apprenticeships, SJ Roberts has supported over 200 young people into construction careers. The business was named 'large apprentice employer of the year' at the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards, where Honor Davies—who is studying an HNC in Architectural Studies via Wolverhampton University—was named apprentice of the year. Most recently, the firm received Shrewsbury College's 'large apprentice employer' award.

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Commenting on the importance of apprentices to the business, Mike Sambrook, managing director at SJ Roberts Construction, said: "In a rapidly evolving construction industry, apprentices play a key role. Supporting their development enables us to maintain industry-leading skills and techniques while ensuring we have the expertise to deliver high-quality projects.

"Offering training across a wide range of skills and different pathways is important to us and we're proud of the recognition that this commitment has delivered."

Over the past two decades the company has partnered with leading training providers including Birmingham City University, Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Newtown College, SBC Training (Shrewsbury) and Bircham Newton National Construction College. SJ Roberts says the breadth of training routes available into construction is increasingly important in the current climate.

Mike Sambrook concluded: "Our apprenticeship scheme continues to attract a very high number of applicants and we're increasingly witnessing young people deciding to follow these pathways so that they can study and gain hands-on experience at the same time.

"As Honor's experience demonstrates, a university education can still be enjoyed whilst working part-time on live construction projects and I am looking forward to seeing the range of applicants that express an interest in joining us later this year."

Further details on the 2026 apprenticeship opportunities and how to apply are available at: www.sjroberts.com/apprenticeships/