National Apprenticeship Week!

This week, AG Wilson are proud to shine a spotlight on the talented apprentices who are shaping the future of our industry. Meet two of our rising stars:

First up is Sam Heare

Sam initially joined AG Wilson for a gap year after completing his A-Levels and is now in the first year of his Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Civil Engineering. He is gaining hands-on experience while studying, preparing to become an integral part of our civil engineering team.

What inspired you to choose a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering?

Honestly, I didn’t want to be stuck in a classroom all the time—I’d rather be out doing the work and learning on the job. Plus, seeing something actually get built and knowing you had a part in it is class.

What does a typical day look like for you as a civil engineering apprentice?

A bit of everything, really. One minute I’m setting out with the GPS or laser level, the next I’m giving a hand with piling or labouring. It’s a good mix—keeps you busy, and there’s always something new to learn.

How has your apprenticeship helped you develop both technical and professional skills?

Technically, I’ve picked up a lot with surveying, setting out, and using kit like GNSS and dumpy levels. But you also learn how to work with people, solve problems on the go, and just generally get on with things in a real work environment.

What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you've worked on so far?

The greenway project I’m on now has been great—it’s good craic seeing the whole thing come together, and it’s nice knowing it'll be something people actually use when it’s finished.

How does the balance of studying and hands-on experience benefit your learning?

Sure, it makes everything click better. You learn something in the books, then go out and actually do it, and suddenly it makes sense. Way better than just sitting in a lecture hall guessing how it works.

What advice would you give to someone considering a civil engineering apprenticeship?

If you like being hands-on and actually seeing the work you’re doing, go for it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get stuck in—nobody expects you to know everything straight away, and you’ll learn way more by just getting involved.

Next up is Andrew McDowell

Andrew joined AG Wilson in September 2022 as a Level 2 Plant Maintenance Mechanic apprentice. Through hard work and dedication, he has since progressed to Level 3, expanding his skills and knowledge in maintaining and servicing essential equipment.

What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship in plant maintenance, and how did you get started?

I've always had an interest in mechanics and how machines work, I enjoy taking things apart and learning the fundamentals of different components and their purposes. I saw A.G Wilson was hiring for an apprentice and I got in contact to find out more.

What does a typical day look like for you as a Level 3 Plant Maintenance apprentice?

As a plant mechanic no two days are the same, one day I might be working in the garage fixing a dumper, and the next day I could be out on site fixing a digger, but usually my day starts off with a brief in the morning about what I will be doing, if I'm out on site I'll gather tools up for the job and pack them in the van and head out, if I'm working in the garage the machine to be fixed is usually in the yard, so I'm able to drive it into the workshop to repair it. If a machine is not working the operator will tell me the problems that the machine is having and from here I am able to diagnose the problems using the knowledge I've learnt throughout my apprenticeship.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in plant maintenance?

My advice to someone looking to become a plant mechanic would be to go for it, as long as they don't mind getting dirty and working outside in all the elements, it can be a tough job sometimes but there's no better feeling than getting a machine up and running again.

Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing future talent, and AG Wilson are proud to support our apprentices on their journey.