BAM Construction works across the UK to develop, design, build and maintain buildings and infrastructure. With over 16,000 employees, their shared purpose of creating sustainable environments to enhance people's lives sits firmly at the heart of everything they do.

We spoke to Ian Rainbow, Project Manager at BAM Construction, to discover his experience of employing higher and degree apprentices in Construction Management, Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying roles.

Why did you choose to recruit an apprentice?

At BAM, we’re always on the lookout for new talent. We believe that providing early careers is key to the future of our business. Apprentices bring fresh and up to date knowledge into the business as well as new ideas and perspectives.

The apprenticeship route is the perfect way to upskill our current workforce for many reasons. It allows colleagues to work whilst they study in their desired subject, providing on the job learning as well as setting time out of their working week to study.

What do higher and degree apprentices bring to your business?

Higher and degree apprenticeships empower staff, making them feel valued and increase their business loyalty, helping us retain a talented workforce.

What advantages do higher and degree apprenticeships have over other professional development programmes and traditional recruitment paths?

Employees who come from full time education are less likely to have on the job experience and are more focused on the qualification aspect. Higher and degree apprenticeships offer a more vocational learning experience, allowing students to learn new skills whilst working in a professional environment.

What successes have your apprentices helped you achieve?

Degree apprentices have helped us achieve awards, such as Rate My Apprenticeship which would not be possible without their honest reviews. They have increased our company awareness by doing events such as school visits and being a part of regional networks in their relevant professional institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Building, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors.

What would you say to other businesses considering higher and degree apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships offer an empowering route for young people into work, as well as preparing businesses to address an ever-growing world of skill shortages. Through diverse and relevant training, both apprentices and the businesses who hire them have the ability to tackle skills shortages head on.