GROWING A WORKFORCE WITH SKILLS FOR LIFE
In National Apprenticeship Week, our Commercial Director, Stanley Leask, highlights how our apprentices are gaining vital skills and the positive impact they have on Thames & Newcastle.
The construction skills gap shows no sign of easing. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the sector is losing more people than it is recruiting. A growing number of retiring workers is tipping the balance, increasing the urgent need to find skilled employees.
Driving excellence and growth
Apprentices are a vital part of the solution, particularly for SMEs like Thames & Newcastle. As a building contractor renowned for quality, we depend on highly skilled people who share our commitment to excellence. Investing in talent from within not only helps address skills gaps in key trades and technical roles, but builds a cohesive workforce aligned with our high standards.
We also really value the enthusiasm and energy that apprentices bring to our business. They are highly motivated, eager to learn and ready to grow, bringing fresh perspectives to our team that we all benefit from.
As an SME, we have a lot to offer. As part of a smaller team, our apprentices can take on a broad range of responsibilities and gain hands-on experience across diverse projects. From day one, they are an integral part of the business, trusted to carry out a variety of tasks. We encourage autonomy to develop their technical ability, problem-solving skills and confidence – capabilities that will serve our apprentices throughout their careers.
Rising talent
Currently, we employ three apprentices and have plans to recruit another cohort in September 2026.
Daniel Pile joined us in 2021 and achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. He went on to complete a Level 4 HNC in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management and is now working towards a degree in the same subject. Alongside his studies, Daniel supports our team with procurement, project coordination, and subcontractor management. He achieved technical membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) last year and will work towards full membership status when he completes his degree.
Strengthening our technical expertise, Alex Mowatt joined the team in 2025. Later this year, he will begin a degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying, while continuing to build experience in estimating and tendering new projects.
In 2025, we also strengthened our pool of tradespeople, recruiting Johnny Lucas who is pursuing a NVQ Level 2 apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery. Working on site, he is benefiting from specialist mentoring and valuable hands-on experience.
Future ready
Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in the future, equipping apprentices with the skills and experience they need to thrive in their chosen career. By fostering talent within our business, we are building a motivated workforce ready to drive Thames & Newcastle forward and make a lasting impact on the construction industry.
What our apprentices say:
“Since joining T&N, I’ve really enjoyed learning on the job and being trusted with real responsibilities. I get to meet lots of people, see new places, and visit different sites around London.
“I’ve gained a lot of valuable skills along the way, like communicating effectively, working professionally and planning my workload. Using these skills to successfully progress jobs from start to finish is something I’m particularly proud of.”
Daniel Pile, trainee surveyor
“I’m passionate about developing my joinery and carpentry skills, and I’m enjoying all my work. I have a great teacher, so I’m picking up lots of tips and learning how to solve problems along the way. So far, one of my proudest moments was making my own floor joists which were perfectly level.”
Johnny Lucas, carpentry and joinery apprentice
“I’m really enjoying learning and progressing, steadily expanding my skill set. I’m taking on more responsibilities, which motivates me to take on bigger challenges and tasks.
“At the moment, a key focus is developing my estimating skills. I can now price most tenders myself and handle that responsibility confidently.”
Alex Mowatt, trainee surveyor