Apprentices remain central to Esh Group's operations, with the business embedding long-term investment in professional development across its teams. As a proud member of The 5% Club's Employee Audit Scheme, and accredited to gold standard, Esh underscores its ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining apprentices and graduates while promoting construction careers for young people.

Today, apprentices represent over 7% of the company's headcount. Opportunities span civil engineering, planning and administration, offering early career professionals practical experience and structured learning as they enter the industry.

Two employees, current apprentice Elliott Pike and Senior Quantity Surveyor Isabelle Hewitt, shared why they chose Esh and how apprenticeships have helped shape their careers. Hewitt has completed two apprenticeships with the firm, while Pike is progressing through a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Engineering.

Elliott Pike, an Apprentice Planner who began his programme in August 2025, said: "I made the decision to take on an apprenticeship as it provides the type of hands-on experience that you don't get in a classroom environment. Since I started my apprenticeship in August 2025, I have had the chance to enhance my practical skills by working on live projects, all while earning money at the same time."

Pike first encountered the business while on college work experience at the Tyne Bridge restoration. He explained: "I was first introduced to Esh when I was given the opportunity to complete work experience on the Tyne Bridge restoration project through college. By working closely with the project team, I was able to gain a valuable insight into the company's processes and values, and got a real taste of what it would be like to be a part of the business – I knew from then that Esh was the type of company I wanted to build my career with."

Reflecting on the skills he is developing, Pike added: "So far, working at Esh has allowed me to develop strong organisational and time management skills, along with technical skills in using software that I need to succeed within my role. As an Apprentice Planner, working with different teams both on site and in the office has improved how I communicate with stakeholders, and I now have a deeper understanding of how construction projects are managed from start to finish."

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He credited supportive colleagues across the Tyne Bridge and Stockton Waterfront urban park projects for helping him balance work and study: "Working across both the Tyne Bridge and Stockton Waterfront urban park projects, I quickly learned that everyone is willing to give me a helping hand – whether that's with my day-to-day tasks or college work. It means a lot to be trusted with important tasks such as updating the programme at Stockton Waterfront and assisting with updating the repair schedule at the Tyne Bridge. Having responsibility in my role – combined with the encouragement from the team – I have been able to grow my confidence while successfully balancing work and studies."

Offering advice to others, he said: "To anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would strongly recommend that you go for it. It's the perfect way to develop real industry skills early on, which can set you up for a successful and long career. Being an apprentice for a business like Esh provides a supportive environment where you are always encouraged to learn, develop and progress, no matter what stage in your career you're in."

Senior Quantity Surveyor Isabelle Hewitt chose an apprenticeship route after deciding A Levels and a traditional path to university were not the right fit. "After finding that the traditional route of A Levels wasn't the best approach for my career aspirations, I decided to transition to an apprenticeship, allowing me to get out on site, be part of real projects and build something tangible. Instead of waiting until after university to be introduced into the sector, I was able to get involved straight away, discovering how projects come together from the ground up by learning from industry professionals. It felt like a much more rewarding way to start my journey."

Hewitt, who joined Esh Group a decade ago, said the culture of trust and responsibility began immediately: "Joining Esh Group 10 years ago has been one of the best decisions for my career. From day one, I was welcomed as part of the team and was trusted with real responsibilities. There's a genuine commitment to helping apprentices succeed – not just in the workplace but academically too."

Her development included a Degree Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying (Chartered) at Northumbria University. "As I progressed within the business, Esh put me through a Degree Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying (Chartered) at Northumbria University. Balancing work and study can be challenging, but Esh made it manageable through flexible support, understanding management and a supportive mentoring culture. You're not just gaining a qualification; you're building a career in a place where people want to see you succeed."

Hewitt said the company's approach to nurturing talent is clear: "Esh Group truly puts apprentices at the heart of its business. There's a clear investment in developing talent from within, which is evident in the number of people who have progressed from apprentices into senior positions. The business creates an environment where apprentices feel valued, supported and motivated to build long-term careers."

Looking back, she added: "Looking back, my apprenticeship didn't just help me get started, it accelerated my whole career. From learning the basics and understanding costs and contracts, to managing my own larger scale projects, I've developed both the technical knowledge and the confidence to progress within the business."

Her message to prospective applicants was straightforward: "If you're looking to take on an apprenticeship, my advice would be to take the leap. In this industry especially, no two days are the same, so be open to learning, ask questions and get involved as much as possible, as it's these experiences that shape your development."

To learn more about apprenticeships at Esh Group, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk/join-us/apprenticeships/