As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Alan Wood & Partners’ cohort of apprentices—both past and present—participated in a day of industry-focused activities exploring the benefits of apprenticeships and career opportunities within the construction and engineering sectors.
The event, held in collaboration with EN:Able Futures, provided apprentices with valuable insights into career development, industry challenges, and the future of engineering. The day began at the C4Di campus in Hull, a landmark project in which Alan Wood & Partners have played a key role from inception, working alongside developer Wykeland Group. The venue was deliberately chosen to inspire the apprentices, demonstrating the real-world impact of engineering in transforming our environment.
Staff were treated to a series of presentations from Peter Drenon who introduced Alan Wood & Partners’ ‘Grow Your Own’ initiative back in 2014, a strategic response to early-career recruitment challenges in the engineering sector. Mark Coates, Managing Director of Alan Wood & Partners, shared details and insights into the C4Di and the further Dockside development, from its inception to its now fully completed status. Lee Parkinson, Chief Executive of Efficiency North, facilitator of EN:Able Futures joined the day highlighting the importance of supporting young talent in securing meaningful employment opportunities and how apprenticeships are a wonderful way into the world of work.
The day concluded with a site tour of the A164 Beverley Bypass, being delivered by Graham on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The visit provided apprentices with a unique opportunity to witness large-scale infrastructure development in action, further reinforcing the critical role engineers play in shaping communities.
Mark Coates, Managing Director of Alan Wood & Partners, commented:
"National Apprenticeship Week, gave Alan Wood & Partners the opportunity to celebrate our cohort of apprentices, 17 of the 18 that have been through - and are going through this process were able to join us to celebrate their fantastic achievements. As a business the apprenticeship route into our business has been enormously successful with our first cohort now studying their Chartership. It is very much a success story for all those involved."
