This week is National Apprenticeship Week and we have been speaking to just some of the apprentices working with our construction partners, Laing O'Rourke, on our new hospital building at CRH.
Emily Watson, Assistant Section Manager (pictured centre)
"As an Assistant Section Manager when on site I either oversee a section or area of work and manage the coordination of all the relevant packages within this area or manage a specific package like metal doors. When managing a package this will include all communications from early on in the design through to handover as well as managing the package on site.
"Currently, as we are in preconstruction my role has consisted of managing the logistics and the elements linked with this including all the site set up. At the same time, I am doing some exposure within Procurement as part of my apprenticeship which has consisted of getting tender lists, supplier days, getting work packages out to the market, reconciling the information, post tender meetings and writing scopes.
"I have been with Laing O'Rourke for over four years now. One of the things I enjoy about my role is meeting people as everyone has different lives and experiences. It is great that no two days are the same.
"After I have finished my apprenticeship I am thinking about carrying on to do my Masters for Project Management in Construction and continue to rise to hopefully lead some projects."
Bobby Ledger, Building Services Trainee (pictured left)
"I am a Building Services Trainee supporting the mechanical and electrical works on the Calderdale Royal Hospital project. I have been in the role for just over 18 months and really like the variety, the hands on learning, and being part of a project that will benefit the community.
"After my apprenticeship has finished I was to keep progressing in building services and work towards becoming an engineer. There has been great support throughout my apprenticeship, with real responsibility and brilliant development opportunities."
James Duda, Civil and Structural Engineering (pictured right)
"As a Civil and Structural Engineering apprentice I will work on the main structure of the building, so all of the structural walls and columns. When on site, this will include setting out for the position of the precast. At the moment, before construction starts, this includes being involved with the planning of how areas of site will be constructed and presenting those ideas to the rest of the team for evaluation. A lot of the job is around Health and Safety on site and how we can keep everyone safe, this can be by planning it out digitally to gain a better understanding of the construction.
"I started in September 2025, so still very new to the company and the industry, but I enjoy the variety of different tasks, as it always keeps the day interesting. I always feel supported with the tasks I am completing, since I am new to the company, there has been a lot of new things that I have had to learn, and the team has helped me balance that with work and Uni work."
"Once the apprenticeship has finished, I plan to stay with Laing O’Rourke and keep working my way up. I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship to anyone thinking about going into construction in any capacity."
Matthew Cooney, Trainee Quantity Surveyor
"I've now been working as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor for the past 18 months as part of my apprenticeship on my first project for Calderdale Royal Hospital, which gave me valuable exposure to a healthcare project early in my career. Since then, I’ve supported the commercial team with cost management, valuations, and general project support, while gaining hands‑on experience alongside my studies.
"I’ve really enjoyed being able to apply what I’m learning directly to real projects and developing my skills within a supportive team. Looking ahead, I’m keen to progress into a Quantity Surveyor role once my apprenticeship is complete and continue building my career in the construction industry.
"I’d definitely recommend the apprenticeship route as a great way to gain real experience while earning a qualification."
Harry Jacques, Trainee Digital Engineer
"As a Trainee Digital Engineer I work on a range of tasks to support and enable the project team. I get to work on many different tasks and experience different things. I want to continue with the digital team and look to find an area of expertise to focus myself towards.
"Apprenticeships are definitely a great opportunity for hands on experience while continuing to learn."
Working with apprentices and building the workforce for the future is a key part of our Social Value Legacy Plan which is all about how we make a long lasting positive impact on our communities, and aims to deliver 1,500 weeks of apprenticeships.