opportunities knock for apprentices

A host of new positions have been opened up for people looking to start a career in construction as part of Holcim UK’s 2026 apprenticeship scheme.

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The leading provider of sustainable building solutions is offering a range of apprenticeships in a variety of roles and locations.

Apprenticeships allow people in the early part of their career to earn while they learn and provide the opportunity to gain qualifications alongside practical experience within a business.

Two types of qualification will be offered. Higher Apprenticeships, which require A-levels or the equivalent of 80 UCAS points, and Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) which require five GCSEs.

The company works with education partners including the University of Derby, EEF Make Limited and Tiro Training Ltd.

A variety of apprenticeships will be offered in the following specialisms:

Electrical Engineering
Vehicle Maintenance
Higher Apprenticeship
Materials Lab Technician
Mechanical Engineering
Road Surfacing Operative
Quantity Surveying
Sales and Commercial

The roles are available in several key locations at Holcim’s UK sites in the Midlands, North, West, North East, South, South West and Scotland.

Hannah Lisby, People Director at Holcim UK, said: “We’re excited to be opening up our apprenticeship applications again this year.

“We have a host of roles and specialisms across key locations and are keen to help attract the next generation of the Holcim team into the business.

“It is widely acknowledged that across the industry we have an ageing workforce so it is really important we do all we can to attract younger workers at the start of their career journey.

“The great advantages of an apprenticeship is it offers a fantastic opportunity to those seeking out a career to learn essential skills through first-hand on-the-ground experience, alongside studying for and gaining a qualification - all while earning.

“We have a clear mission to make sustainable construction a reality which we know is something that will really chime with people in their early careers.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming the next generation of apprentices to our teams during 2026.”

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Billy Spencer (21) works within Holcim UK’s Aggregates business in Plymouth and is undertaking a Level 4 Commercial Sales apprenticeship with learning partners Mercuri.

He said: “I’ve loved my apprenticeship and have had the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people and spend time at numerous different sites across the country learning all about the different products and services we can offer as Holcim.

“It was the perfect opportunity for me because I left school not knowing what I wanted to do at all, so choosing this apprenticeship allowed me to gain vital knowledge, skills and behaviours whilst getting a flavour of the true working environment. Not to mention the fact that you get paid to learn is an added bonus! I have high ambitions, but none of which would be possible if I hadn’t taken the leap and gotten myself an apprenticeship with Holcim.”

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Morgan Watson (24) from Cheshire is undertaking a Level 4 Project Management qualification within the asphalt business.

She said: “ I am really enjoying my apprenticeship so far, especially the opportunity to work on sustainability projects that create a real, visible impact across both Express Asphalt and the wider Mainstream Asphalt business. Being involved in biodiversity initiatives, environmental improvements and national charity events has been incredibly rewarding, as I can see the difference the work is making day to day.

“My advice to people is don’t be afraid to apply for an apprenticeship that may feel completely outside of your comfort zone, especially if it genuinely interests you. I started out working with horses and leapt straight into construction, which felt like a big change at the time but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.”

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Connor Haigh (19) from Staffordshire is currently doing a Level 6 Materials Engineering Technology (BEng) apprenticeship at the University of Derby alongside his role as a Laboratory Production Operative at the Cauldon cement plant.

He said: “It is a brilliant opportunity that allows me to expand my technical knowledge whilst still continuing to develop professionally in my job. Being able to see how my work links directly to the large scale production of our site is very rewarding.

“My advice for anyone applying would be to just go for it. Starting my apprenticeship has been one of the best things I've done. Being able to learn while working in a job has allowed me to gain a lot of experience, while also being able to work as part of a brilliant team of people.”

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Georgia Avery (20) of Leicestershire has just completed a higher apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology with the University of Derby and works within the Aggregates business at Newbold Quarry in Staffordshire.

She said: “I really enjoyed my apprenticeship. I loved the variety of it and networking with so many people within the business. My people skills and confidence drastically improved during my apprenticeship, and developing so many work relationships has really helped since. Also, being trusted to have the freedom to use my own initiative when delegated a task from management, really supported my growth and faith in my own decisions.

“I would advise anyone considering an apprenticeship to go for it 100%. You learn the practical skills on the job, with lots of variety, that keeps it interesting. At the same time, you learn the theory to support the work you do in your everyday job. I think it's really useful to understand how the equipment and components you see day to day on site actually work.”

For more information on the available apprenticeships visit the early careers section of the Holcim UK website.