Leeds-based mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) provider G&H has opened applications for its 2025 apprenticeship programme, offering both on-site and office-based roles. This year, there are several apprenticeship opportunities available in electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), service and maintenance, engineering, and building services disciplines. Apprentices joining the team in August 2025 will become full-time employees, gaining hands-on experience, academic qualifications, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and a competitive salary. Applications are welcome from post-A-Level, BTEC, or equivalent school and college leavers. The three-year apprenticeship scheme is delivered in partnership with further education establishments, including Leeds College of Building and Bradford College, and will lead to an industry-recognised City & Guilds qualification. Paul Churchill, Development Manager at G&H, said: “We’re excited to launch our 2025 apprenticeship scheme, which is designed to develop and nurture our future workforce. We’re looking for candidates who are hardworking, reliable, eager to learn, and passionate about the construction sector. “For over 25 years, we have offered a comprehensive apprenticeship programme designed to attract top talent and provide young people with valuable real-world experience, with many of our alumni having gone on to forge successful careers at G&H.” Charlie Barton, first year Maintenance Apprentice at G&H said: “Applying for the G&H apprenticeship scheme was the best decision I ever made. I’m gaining valuable on-the-job training, experiencing the working world firsthand, and attending college, where I’ll earn my Level 3 NVQ in Servicing and Maintenance upon completion. For me, an apprenticeship has been a far better pathway than just going to college, and I would highly recommend it to anyone leaving school and eager to start their career.” G&H has been delivering apprenticeships since 1999, with many former apprentices now in senior roles. Chair of the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, Anthony Impey, recently visited G&H and praised the “inspiring work that G&H is doing to invest in the skills needed to drive the growth and productivity of their business.” Apprenticeships on offer include two Level 3 Electrical roles, Level 3 HVAC, and Level 3 Plumbing, all based in the north, and a Level 3 Service and Maintenance role in the south. All applicants must be at least 18-years-old by August 2025. GCSE grade four or above in Maths and English are desirable but not essential, as is a driving license. Additionally, there are two Level 4 Project Manager apprenticeship roles. Applicants must be at least 16-years-old by August 2025, be able to travel to the Pudsey-based head office, and hold five GCSEs graded four to nine, including English, Maths, and Science. Candidates with a BTEC Extended Diploma, Level 3 advanced apprenticeship, or one to two A-levels, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a fast-track route to completion. The deadline for applications is 28 March, with a recruitment day scheduled for April and an August 2025 start. CVs should be sent to katie.hardisty@wearegandh.com  Established in 1998, G&H is a leading MEP provider. Its 200-strong experienced team designs, manages, delivers, and maintains every aspect of MEP schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Heather Fleming tells trade association how apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago… Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Former textile machinist Heather Fleming tells viewers how she got her big break 37 years ago, how she insisted on being treated as an equal to her male counterparts – and why she still believes an apprenticeship is an invaluable way to help climb the career ladder. Produced in partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the video has also been released ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March. In the film, entitled Blazing a Trail, Heather reveals how she switched careers when she joined SELECT Member firm HF Electrical in Glasgow in 1988. She says: “I was working as a sewing machinist in a factory and had the afternoon off, so went to the local careers office and found a leaflet called Would You Like to be an Electrician? “Electricity had always been like black magic – it was just there – so it piqued my interest and I thought, ‘I’ll go for it and if I don’t get it, I don’t get it.’ “I was sent for an aptitude test and then told, ‘You’ve passed everything. Where would you like to work?’ I had no idea so they set me up with an interview at HF, I got the job and started work.” Heather duly became Scotland’s first female electrical apprentice, attending Clydebank College – now West College Scotland – but insists she was never given any special treatment. She tells the film: “HF looked after me but there was never any, ‘Wow, you’re the first’. I still had a job to do and there was an attitude of, ‘This person is part of our team and we will make sure we give her opportunities.’ “Although I’d gone from a very female-oriented job to a very male oriented one, for my own part it was just a job and I didn’t think it was any big deal.” Heather also said she also insisted on equality as she continued her studies at Stow College, night school and university, revealing: “I was the only female in most classes and sometimes the lecturers would say, ‘We’d like to put you forward for something because you’re female.’ “But I always said, ‘I’m not the best person for that, not if there’s a guy that’s better than me – put them forward’.  Just because you’re a female you don’t need to be promoted more.” After rising through the ranks and working at a consultancy, Heather gained a degree in Building Services and is now an engineer with the Estates Department at the University of Edinburgh, who are also members of SELECT. She said: “Life is about earning money and having a good lifestyle and an apprenticeship will get you to the stage of having a good job and being able to go up the tree.” The video also comes more than three decades after Heather discussed her apprenticeship in SELECT’s cabletalk magazine, in which she said: “Sometimes there’s some taunting on-site, but I try to ignore it and if that doesn’t work I just give it back to them.” And she said: “I think the attitude to women in the workplace in general has changed since then. I just think it’s a natural progression and I’ve been accepted in every job that I’ve been to.” SELECT Director of Employment Affairs Catherine Gillon said: “As we celebrate achievements of electricians everywhere as part of our 125th anniversary, we are grateful to Heather and the University of Edinburgh for giving up their time and allowing us to discuss her journey in the industry. “Some 37 years after we first interviewed her, it is heartening to see that Heather is still working in our sector. It shows that with a solid apprenticeship and the ongoing support of industry bodies like SELECT and SECTT, anything is achievable.” SECTT CEO Fiona Harper added: “Heather’s story is an inspiring one and is the perfect example for Scottish Apprenticeship Week as it shows the rewards and opportunities that are available to young learners starting out on their own career path. “As we look ahead to International Women’s Day, it also shows that there are no barriers in the electrotechnical industry and we should rightfully celebrate the achievements of the many women who currently enjoy successful careers at all levels of the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Electrical Safety First is proud to champion the launch of ACE:Electrical (the Apprentice Channel of Excellence), a groundbreaking new platform offering free, high-quality teaching and learning resources for all UK electrical apprentices. This innovative channel, hosted on Learning Lounge, aims to empower the next generation of electricians with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers. Accessible excellence for apprentices From January 10, UK electrical apprentices enrolled with approved training providers will have access to an ever-expanding library of modular, bite-sized content at no cost. Designed to complement hands-on learning, ACE:Electrical delivers expert-led modules covering key industry topics, from electrical protection systems to health and safety legislation. New content will be added weekly, ensuring apprentices always have fresh resources to enhance their understanding and technical skills. Industry icons and rising stars ACE:Electrical is brought to life by a team of exceptional presenters, with Dave Austin, a revered figure in the electrical industry being joined by two rising stars: Veronica Jennings, winner of the Electrical Apprentice of the Year in 2022, and James Whelehan, a qualified electrician and QS. Together, they offer an engaging mix of experience and relatability, making the content both inspiring and accessible. Tutor support and licensing options ACE:Electrical isn’t just for apprentices. Electrical tutors at approved training centres can access a suite of tools to elevate their teaching. With a centre licence, tutors can monitor student progress, direct learners to specific modules, and seamlessly integrate ACE content into classroom lessons. This dual approach ensures that both apprentices and educators benefit from the platform’s extensive resources. Building outstanding electricians The mission of ACE:Electrical is clear: to help create a new generation of outstanding electricians. By offering free, expert-led resources to apprentices and invaluable teaching tools to tutors, the platform bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. What’s coming throughout January and FebruaryThe initial content roll-out for ACE:Electrical includes: Enrol today Apprentices and tutors can enrol now by visiting ace.learninglounge.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to access a transformative learning resource that is shaping the next generation of electrical professionals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a training programme to help building services firms work more closely with schools and inspire future generations of building services engineers. The BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme is fully funded by the Association and was developed by the schools engagement specialists Built Environment Skills in Schools (BESS) which has worked with more than 4,000 schools across the UK. The 12-week programme is designed to give engineers and business owners the skills and knowledge they need to engage effectively with their local schools and promote career opportunities in the building services industry. The training will be delivered in three tranches with eight places available on the September intake with another eight in January 2025 and a third cohort setting out on their engagement journey in April. Full details can be found here. BESA members regularly cite long-term skills shortages as the biggest challenge to their businesses and this new fully funded scheme is part of the Association’s response. Members will now have the chance to work with experienced educators to gain insights into engaging the interest of school children and inspiring them to want to work in a sector that can make a huge difference to major social issues like climate change, air quality, and health & wellbeing. ConfidenceAs well as helping to shape a future generation of engineers and improve the flow of skilled workers into the sector, this exercise can also have major benefits for existing staff who gain valuable communication and presentation skills – not to mention improved confidence. “This is a groundbreaking exercise for our industry and an opportunity not to be missed,” said BESA’s head of skills & policy Stuart Rattray. “Early adopters can demonstrate their commitment to education and community involvement which will boost their reputation. “It also gives them the opportunity to spot and nurture young talent early, creating a direct pipeline of future apprentices and employees who are already familiar with the company and the work opportunities available in our sector.” BESA also pointed out that working with schools aligns with corporate social responsibility goals, demonstrating a company’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting local education. “By helping to educate and inspire future engineers today, employers are investing in the long-term success and sustainability of their companies and the broader building engineering services industry,” said Rattray. “They will be sowing the SEEDS for the future of skills in our industry.” Topics covered in the training include understanding the National Curriculum, OFSTED requirements, safeguarding issues, and best practices for engaging with schools safely and effectively. The programme also shows employers how to build partnerships with local educators. Adam Taylor, chair of BESA’s Indoor Air Quality group, has already completed several engagement projects with schools focused on the topic of air quality. He said the adults working with the children also gained valuable, and sometimes surprising, insights. “The children were clearly engaged and had a lot of fun building the air filter boxes we used as a practical exercise,” said Taylor who is CEO of ARM Environments. “The exercise ended up being one third educational (about air quality), one third just having fun building the boxes, and the other third was all about demonstrating you can do this kind of thing for a living and make a difference to people’s lives. “As an example of how to engage school children in activities with a building services connection, it shows the importance of giving them something visual and interesting to work with,” said Taylor. Sign up for the free BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme and become part of this major new initiative to inspire future generations of building services engineers and secure your skills pipeline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals