Picture above:
A mural in London’s Walthamstow as part of an initiative from the Department for Education
Photo credit: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments

With the construction sector facing skills shortages, apprenticeships play a vital role in securing the industry’s future. By combining hands‑on experience with structured learning, they offer a practical, inclusive route into skilled roles.

D’ontae Rock,22, is completing his Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship with Complete Fixing Solutions (CFS), a construction firm delivering commercial projects across London and the South of England. He feels his apprenticeship has provided a clear pathway into a career where learning is practical, confidence is built on site, and progress is visible every day.

Finding the right route

Like many young people drawn to construction, D’ontae knew early on that he wanted a career where he could work with his hands and see the results of his efforts. However, traditional classroom‑based learning wasn’t the environment where he felt he thrived.

“I’ve always understood things better when they’re shown to me,” he explains. “An apprenticeship felt like the right fit because you’re learning by doing, putting the skills into practice straight away, and seeing how they fit into the larger project you’re working toward.”

That combination of paid employment and formal training led him to a carpentry apprenticeship with CFS, where he now works alongside experienced tradespeople on live projects across Central London, while studying at New City College.

Learning on site and growing in confidence

Construction apprenticeships can help learners build real‑world skills quickly. From the outset, D’ontae worked within site teams, learning from qualified carpenters and being trusted with an increasing range of tasks.

“Working alongside experienced carpenters has been the biggest learning curve,” he says. “You’re shown how things are done properly, then you’re expected to have a go yourself. That trust builds your confidence quickly.” Over time, D’ontae has built technical knowledge of tools, materials and site processes, alongside workplace skills such as communication, problem‑solving and teamwork.

Balancing college with full‑time site work has also strengthened his organisation and time‑management skills.

Supported by employers

Employer support can be the deciding factor in whether apprentices thrive and, for D’ontae, that backing has been crucial.

Milton Walcott, HSEQ Manager at Complete Fixing Solutions, completed an NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery himself before progressing from labourer to site manager. He shares the value of investing in skills programmes:

“Engaging with T Levels, apprenticeships, and higher technical qualifications has enabled us to nurture talent from a wide range of backgrounds, reflecting the communities we serve and strengthening our business. Our apprentices have progressed into full-time roles, won industry awards and contributed to a positive company culture.

By prioritising mentoring, support and inclusion, we have helped young people realise their potential and built a stronger, more resilient team. More employers are seeing apprenticeships as long‑term investments in their future workforce, rather than short‑term fixes for labour shortages.

Milton’s advice for other employers: “Invest in robust training plans, provide clear career pathways, and create a supportive environment from day one. The impact on both the organisation and the wider community is significant.”

Championing apprenticeships

Although he’s only been in the industry a short while, D’ontae’s journey shows what apprenticeships can unlock. He is featured in a largescale public mural in Walthamstow, created as part of a UK Government campaign celebrating construction talent and inspiring the next generation.

Featuring iconic builds like the London Aquatics Centre, the mural brings local construction careers into public view and challenges outdated perceptions of the sector.

For D’ontae, being part of the campaign has reinforced the pride he feels in his role. “It shows that what we’re doing matters,” he says. “Construction isn’t just about buildings, it’s about the people who make them and the communities that use them.”

Looking ahead

While D’ontae is still early in his career, his ambitions are clear. In the short term, he is focused on completing his apprenticeship and becoming a fully qualified carpenter, someone clients and colleagues can rely on.

Longer‑term, he recognises that construction offers a wide range of progression routes, from specialist trades to supervisory and leadership roles. “I know there are lots of options ahead,” he says. “That’s one of the best things about this industry.”

His advice to others considering an apprenticeship is simple: “If you learn best by doing, go for it. You gain experience, confidence and a real sense of purpose, all while building a career.”

As the construction industry looks to the future, stories like D’ontae’s demonstrate how apprenticeships are not only filling skills gaps, but building a more confident, capable and diverse workforce, one learner at a time.

To explore training options, learn more about the routes available, and find advice and resources, search Skills for Life.