In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’re shining a light on the essential role that our apprentices play within the construction industry. As one of the most evolving sectors, construction offers a wealth of opportunities for those eager to learn and build a lasting career. Apprenticeships within construction not only provide practical, hands-on experience but also equip individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

As a construction company that plays a vital role in delivering projects for many different sectors, including the military and education, our apprentices are at the heart of it all. From constructing state of the art facilities to creating innovative spaces, all of our apprentices are gaining hands-on experience in some of the most impactful and rewarding areas of construction.

We have been visiting our apprentices out ‘in the field’ as they are learning trades and shaping the future of our communities. Read more to learn all about why they chose to do what they do and how their journeys have been so far!

Bradley Allum: 3rd Year Joiner

What inspired you to start a construction apprenticeship?

‘A lot of my family work in the industry and I’ve always worked with my hands since I was 14.’

Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship with Tom Willoughby?

‘I had seen their vans around a lot while going to school in Richmond. My Uncle also worked with Tom Willoughby once upon a time, so I decided to apply and hope for the best.’

What’s been your favourite part of your Apprenticeship so far?

‘I love learning about all the different aspects of joinery as there are so many and I like being able to deliver good, tidy work, and be proud of what I’ve made.’

What’s one area of construction you’d like to specialise in?

‘I like would like to specialise in joinery as a whole so I am always comfortable doing anything that is asked of me.’

Tyler Tickner: 1st Year Joiner

What inspired you to start a construction apprenticeship?

‘Family history in the construction industry. My Grandad was a joiner by trade and my dad is a Quantity Surveyor.’

Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship with Tom Willoughby?

 ‘So I could earn money while learning my trade and getting on-site experience.’

What’s been your favourite part of your Apprenticeship so far?

‘Working on the Live Well Centre in Middlesbrough and being able to work independently on 2^nd fix joinery.’

What’s one area of construction you’d like to specialise in?

‘I would like to continue gaining experience and skills in joinery.’

India Ward: 3rd Year Electrician

What inspired you to start a construction apprenticeship?

‘I wanted a manual job which had good career prospects.’

Why did you choose to an Apprenticeship with Tom Willoughby?

 ‘Good company to work for.’

What’s been your favourite part of your Apprenticeship so far?

‘Learning about all different aspects of the job.’

What’s one area of construction you’d like to specialise in?

 ‘Commercial.’

Joel Weatherburn: 3rd Year Electrician

What inspired you to start a construction apprenticeship?

‘I enjoyed it the most at school over other subjects.’

Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship with Tom Willoughby?

‘My brother already worked for Tom Willoughby so I knew they were a good company to work for.’

What’s been your favourite part of your Apprenticeship so far?

‘The new skills I am learning are challenging but satisfying when I am able to put them into practice confidently.’

What’s one area of construction you’d like to specialise in?

‘Would like to get more involved in commercial projects.’

Graham Marwood: 3rd Year Plumber

What inspired you to start a construction apprenticeship?

‘To gain a qualification in a great trade.’

Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship with Tom Willoughby?

‘A local friendly company to work for.’

What’s been your favourite part of your Apprenticeship so far?

‘Learning new skills and working with many different skilled workers.’

What’s one area of construction you’d like to specialise in?

‘Plumbing.’

Nathan Milburn: 1^st Year Electrician

What inspired you to start a construction apprenticeship?

‘Getting a trade.’

Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship with Tom Willoughby?

‘My family encouraged me after hearing good things about the company.’

What’s been your favourite part of your Apprenticeship so far?

‘Working with a variety of people and learning different aspects of the job.’

What’s one area of construction you’d like to specialise in?

‘Electrics installation.’