The Foreman and Supervisors look after the apprentices on site. They help us with our work but they like to see apprentices figure out problems first so we learn by doing things.

Last year I spent a day in college every week as part of my apprenticeship. This year I’ve focused on the evidence-side on site. Julie, from CITB Wales, visits the apprentices. She stays up-to-date with our progress. Julie visited us every fortnight in college to see how we were doing. CITB has been really good us with us, fair play.

Costain has been very good, too. They’ve put us on courses which help us with our work. Costain and CITB are making us more valued workers by helping us get recognised qualifications. I’m hoping that the courses will mean I can put my hand to anything on site. With a company like Costain there are so many pathways to do different things.

My advice to anyone thinking about a career in construction would be “just go for it.” If you’re interested in construction there’s no harm in trying things. You don’t have to be a labourer; you can do a lot of different jobs on site. If I got fed-up with groundworks there are opportunities to do other kinds of construction work.

I think an apprenticeship is the best way of following a career because you’re learning and earning. I got my first car in this job so the money comes in handy. Construction work helps build character too.

When my apprenticeship ends I’d like to stay with Costain and work my way up, maybe have a supervisor role then be a General Foreman. I’d just like to be a valued worker more than anything.

For information on how you can become part of the Welsh Construction sector please visit: https://www.goconstruct.org/

To find out how CITB Wales’ work with Costain is boosting construction opportunities in Wales please click here.