Civil engineering firm sees boost in local apprenticeships

Leeds civil engineering firm, Connaught, are celebrating after their recent expansion enabled the recruitment of five new apprentices, with more positions becoming available in the near future (@WeAre_LCB).

Established in 2009, the Garforth-based company specialise in groundworks within the residential market. As a result of established links with local education providers such as Leeds College of Building, Connaught’s new strategic plan provides local employment opportunities and secures a strong talent pipeline for the business requirements ahead.

The apprentices, all aged 16+, are studying on college programmes and gaining practical experience at Connaught, learning skills in site operations, bricklaying and quantity surveying on sites operating for a number of major residential developers throughout Yorkshire.

Mick Rowland, Business Improvement Manager for Connaught, said:

“We are delighted to be able to provide training and employment opportunities to the youth in our region. Identifying skills gaps and proactively seeking to remedy this has been part of our managerial strategy to enable our continued growth. We are very much looking forward to developing our relationships with Leeds College of Building and other higher education institutes.”

In addition to this, Connaught is in talks with Leeds College of Building to offer work placements in 2022 which allow students on site for a week-long taster in civil engineering and showcase the varied roles available in this rewarding career.

Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, said:
“Leeds College of Building is proud to partner with Connaught in helping meet their company skills and training needs and that of their Apprentices. We share in their vision, and it is encouraging to see that our students are sharing their innovative and pioneering ways. We welcome Connaught’s engagement for the future provision of work experience and site visits which are invaluable for our students wishing to join the construction industry.”

Riley Fisher, Civil Engineer Apprentice, commented: 
“I am really enjoying my Civil Engineering Apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building. I like that I can go to college as well as learn hands-on gaining experience on site. The lads are looking after us very well”.