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National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate the next generation shaping the construction industry. At Warden, our apprenticeships offer a clear pathway into skilled trades and technical roles, combining structured learning with hands-on, on-site experience across a range of disciplines.
We welcome everyone from school leavers to career changers, providing the support, training and mentorship needed to develop both skills and confidence.
For National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to five apprentices from across the business – Charlie Montgomery (business administration), William McMichael-Fryer (trainee estimator/quantity surveyor), Sylwia Lisowska (painter and decorator), Adam Patel (finance administrator) and Finlay Jones (joiner) – about their experiences so far, why they chose a career in construction, and their future ambitions.
What first attracted you to a career in construction, and what makes you most excited about working in this industry?
Charlie: The most exciting part of working in construction is working closely with colleagues to achieve successful outcomes.
William: I grew up in a joinery environment and loved seeing how ideas turned into something tangible and long-lasting, it gave me an early appreciation for the trades from inception to delivery.
Adam: The opportunity to be involved in projects that positively transform communities and the social value work that Warden delivers.
Sylwia: I trust my ability to face challenges head-on, and it feels empowering to work in a field where I can make a real impact and motivate others to follow their own path.
Finlay: I saw a lot of adverts and felt it was the right path for me after a sporting degree.
How did you feel on your first day, and what helped you settle in?
Charlie: I felt nervous but excited for the future. The main thing that helped me settle in was introducing myself and getting to know my colleagues.
William: I felt nervous but excited about entering a new environment, but the team helped me settle in quickly.
Adam: I was very nervous on my first day it was daunting coming into a company of this size, but all my colleagues and my team were friendly and very welcoming.
Sylwia: I felt nervous and excited. There was a lot to learn, but I stayed calm and focused on doing my best. By the end of the day, I was feeling much more confident.
Finlay: I was excited on my first day, looking forward to using all the tools.
How do you balance the mix of working, studying, and learning at the same time?
Charlie: Having a set timetable, which I use on a weekly basis to make sure I am focused on individual tasks.
Adam: It really comes down to planning and staying organised. Setting aside an evening or two each week to focus on coursework helps you feel prepared when exam time comes around. Warden is also supportive of our studies, giving us time off to attend college and helping with any academic challenges we may face.
Sylwia: I keep things simple by staying organised and focusing on what needs to be done first. I make sure to set aside time for work, study, and learning so nothing gets missed.
Finlay: It’s hard to balance as I play sports at night, but I’m doing well to fit it all in.
When you picture yourself in the future, what would your dream career in construction look like?
Charlie: My ambition is to become chartered in procurement and hopefully one day become a manager.
William: I’m hoping to become a fully qualified and confident quantity surveyor who plays a key role in the successful delivery of projects. I would like to be trusted to manage projects from the early estimating stages through to final accounts.
Adam: In the future, I’d like to take on more responsibility with the finance side of construction and have a greater input in the strategic and financial decisions we make.
What’s the most valuable skill you’ve learned that you didn’t expect to pick up so quickly?
Charlie: The most valuable skill I have learnt is communicating over the phone with suppliers to solve problems efficiently.
William: The ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications from a commercial point of view.
Adam: Being the main point of contact for the head office has really helped me develop more professional language. Learning how to explain financial information in a clear and understandable way has been especially important.
Sylwia: Being more confident and talking to as many other colleagues as possible makes communication and my understanding of the business easier.
Finlay: Patience, I thought I’d lose it but I’m keeping to speed.
What’s something about working in construction that would surprise someone who’s never been on a building site?
Charlie: The number of roles available, it’s not just manual work. There are a lot of different career paths in construction that people don’t realise exist.
William: How friendly and welcoming the environment is.
Adam: The amount of planning and coordination needed before we’re even on site has really blown my mind. All the surveys, logistics, and health and safety regulations have really opened my eyes to how we need to deliver projects safely and efficiently.
Sylwia: Building sites are busy and a bit chaotic, with loads of people doing different jobs at the same time. People would be surprised at how much communication and teamwork go into keeping everything running smoothly.
Finlay: The good banter.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given since starting your apprenticeship?
Charlie: One of the most useful pieces of advice I’ve had is to keep a job list. It’s helped me stay organised and make sure I’m completing my work to a high standard.
Adam: The best piece of advice I’ve had is always ask questions and never assume if you’re unsure.
Sylwia: The advice I was given since starting my apprenticeship was to always ask questions and never be afraid to voice your options about anything, and to do what you feel is right.
Finlay: Relax, it will all come together soon.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship in construction?
Charlie: I would tell them to give it a go as it is a very stable industry with a lot of prospects for their future.
William: You can earn while you learn, gaining a recognised qualification without coming out in debt.
Adam: I would say go ahead and do it, you won’t regret it. The skills you learn and the people you meet will set you up for a very successful and fulfilling career
Sylwia: It’s a great chance to learn practical skills and gain valuable experience. It might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely worth trying because it teaches you how to work in different environments and situations.
Finlay: Think about the opportunity after your apprenticeship.
To find out more about an apprenticeship with Warden, please visit our careers page.
