Developing Skills For The Future Of Construction

National Apprenticeship Week 2026

 

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration in the UK designed to showcase the value, benefits, and opportunities of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses, and the economy.

At Keystone, apprenticeships are a core part of the business, with apprentices taking on real responsibilities while developing skills for the future. Our programmes are structured and valued, helping to build capability and strong working relationships across the organisation. Fully embedded within teams, apprentices contribute to meaningful projects while gaining experience that supports both their own progression and the long-term needs of the business.

Skills, training, and development are particularly critical in construction and manufacturing, where high-risk environments and rapid change make expertise essential. Through our apprenticeships, individuals learn directly from experienced colleagues, developing the technical, practical, and professional skills needed to work safely, efficiently, and to the high standards expected in the industry. By investing in workforce development in this way, Keystone ensures both the growth of our people and the long-term success of the business.

 

Our approach to apprenticeships

 

Apprentices sit across key areas of the business, with a strong focus on technical and manufacturing roles. The number of apprenticeship opportunities offered annually varies depending on business requirements, ensuring roles are meaningful, strategic and supported. All apprenticeships offered are higher-level programmes, typically lasting four years, allowing our apprentices to combine academic learning with hands-on experience to reflect industry demands.

Apprentices are supported day-to-day by senior engineers and experienced colleagues, who provide guidance, answer questions, and share the knowledge they have built up over years in the industry. This close working relationship gives apprentices insight not only into how tasks are completed, but also why standards and processes matter. By learning directly from experienced team members, apprentices build confidence, develop their skills more quickly, and are well-prepared to progress into full-time roles within the business.

 

Apprentice perspectives

 

Jake Scattergood: Technical Engineering Apprentice, Keystone Lintels

Apprenticeship length: 4 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jake’s typical day involves assessing customer plans to ensure the correct lintels and steels are specified for each project. He works closely with builders, architects, and engineers to understand requirements and develop solutions, and he produces production drawings using design software for the manufacturing team.

“Working within the merchant engineering team means I see a lot of special ‘one-off’ projects which test my skills and knowledge on a daily basis. Being able to design solutions and see them implemented brings a lot of satisfaction you don’t get from a degree on its own.”

Through his apprenticeship, Jake has developed both technical and professional skills. He’s improved his proficiency in AutoCAD and other industry design software, while also sharpening communication skills to coordinate effectively with all stakeholders.

“Choosing an apprenticeship gives you real-world experience in the industry, which you don’t get otherwise. It’s taught me confidence in my skills and given me a clearer understanding of the career path I want to pursue.”

Jake credits working alongside experienced engineers as key to his development, providing a constant support network for both his role and his university studies.

“Everyone at Keystone has helped massively with my development since I started. There’s always someone ready to help with work in the office or any questions I have about my university work.”

Looking ahead, Jake is excited about the opportunities within Keystone and is keen to continue building his career in civil engineering.

“An apprenticeship is a lot more work compared to other routes, but the experience and knowledge you gain is priceless and worth the investment.”

Supporting apprentices allows us to invest in future capability and ensure that technical knowledge and best practice are shared consistently across the business.

 

Manager Perspective

 

Simon Wright: Technical Account Manager

 

From a management perspective, apprenticeships are about developing long-term capability while bringing fresh thinking into the business:

“Apprenticeships give us the opportunity to bring young, energetic people into the business who are willing to learn and develop into potential future leaders. Along the way, we teach them the Keystone way, but we also give them the freedom to bring their own ideas and knowledge to the table, particularly around new technology.”

Simon highlights the value of combining formal learning with hands-on experience:

“The degree apprenticeship provides a recognised engineering qualification to support their development, but no course teaches you about lintels or our products. Being hands-on at Keystone gives apprentices exposure to real-world business scenarios where commercial awareness is just as important as technical knowledge.”

Apprentices also play an important role within teams, contributing to both culture and performance:

“Apprentices bring a younger feel to the team. When several join at the same time, they build friendships and quickly become influential members of the group. The blend of age and experience helps keep energy levels high and challenges how we think, bringing the best out in each other.”

Over time, Simon has seen significant growth in confidence and capability of apprentices:

“We’ve seen apprentices develop from being quite shy to becoming confident and comfortable speaking to customers. Learning how to communicate by answering calls, writing emails and understanding what information is needed is where some of the biggest development happens. Keystone gives them the opportunity to take responsibility and stand on their own two feet.”

Long-term impact

 

Apprenticeships support long-term performance by helping the business retain skills, maintain quality and build future capability. Apprentices typically move into permanent roles at the end of their programmes, strengthening continuity within teams. A current example is Jake Scattergood, who is approaching the end of his four-year apprenticeship and has developed into a key member of the business.

By investing in structured, long-term development, Keystone builds specialists and future leaders who understand the business from the ground up. This approach supports both consistency of output and sustainable growth.

Looking ahead

 

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’ll be sharing more stories that highlight the people behind our apprenticeships and the teams that support them.

Follow our social channels throughout the week to hear more, or find out more about careers at Keystone and how apprenticeships contribute to developing skills for the future of UK construction here: https://keystonegroup.co.uk/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships/