This National Apprenticeship Week, Ingleton Wood proudly celebrates the invaluable contribution apprentices make to our practice and the built environment.
This year’s theme of 'Skills for Life', resonates strongly with our commitment to nurturing talent, providing real-world opportunities, and equipping apprentices with the tools to thrive in their careers.
David Cresswell, Managing Partner at Ingleton Wood, commented on the importance of providing an apprenticeship programme that develops the individual, as well as future-proofing our industry;
“Apprenticeship programs are vital to our industry’s future, bringing fresh enthusiasm and perspectives to our projects while equipping apprentices with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers. Having personally benefitted from degree sponsorship early in my career -working while learning - I found it tremendously rewarding. This experience has inspired me to lead the Practice in investing in apprenticeships, ensuring those pursuing careers in surveying, design, and engineering have the strongest possible start.”
Creating opportunities
Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our approach to talent development.
We believe in providing hands-on experience across architecture, engineering, project management, surveying, and more, ensuring apprentices gain exposure to diverse, real-world projects. From working on cutting-edge sustainability initiatives to heritage conservation, our apprentices are involved in shaping projects that truly matter.
“Our apprenticeships align perfectly with our long-term vision of fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the industry," commented our Senior Partner, Laura Mansel-Thomas. "By equipping apprentices with the skills to deliver environmentally responsible solutions, we ensure the next generation is prepared to tackle the challenges of a greener, more sustainable future.”
Support and mentorship
We know that apprenticeships are more than just training programmes; they provide the foundations for lifelong careers.
Our multidisciplinary teams are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where our apprentices are encouraged to develop both their technical and soft skills, but also inspire the confidence and enthusiasm required to succeed in the workplace.
Every apprentice at Ingleton Wood benefits from personalised mentorship from experienced professionals, with regular check-ins, tailored development plans, and access to industry events ensuring our apprentices feel valued and empowered.
Skills for life
Max Chapman, Architectural Director at Ingleton Wood, commented on his experience of an apprenticeship with Ingleton Wood:
“I started my career at Ingleton Wood in 2007 as an undergraduate architectural assistant with the company sponsoring me through a part time undergraduate degree. This opportunity allowed me to put the theory and design hypothesis I was learning at university into practice on live projects I worked on.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked on a variety of projects where I further increased my experience. When the level 7 apprenticeship was launched, it was a natural pathway for me to complete my studies and gain a postgraduate qualification in a vocational way and support my career goals and professional development. I was one of the first Level 7 architectural apprentices in the country to complete the course and gain my professional qualification in 2021.
After passing my apprenticeship I volunteered as a mentor to our younger apprentices starting their career journey and enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge. It’s interesting to see how their creativity adds value to the design team and in turn our clients’ projects. In 2024 I progressed into a director role and now manage an architectural design team in our Colchester office.”
Developing 'Skills for Life' means equipping our apprentices with more than technical expertise.
We emphasise teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership to prepare our apprentices for the challenges of a dynamic and evolving industry. Whether designing Net Zero Carbon buildings or managing complex multi-disciplinary projects, our apprentices graduate with a strong foundation for success.
Success stories
Many of our apprentices have gone on to achieve remarkable success within Ingleton Wood and beyond. Their journeys highlight the transformative power of apprenticeships and the value of investing in young talent. From starting as trainees to leading projects, their achievements inspire the next generation of apprentices to aim high.
Stay tuned during National Apprenticeship Week to find out more!
Building a future together
“Our apprenticeship programme plays a crucial role in Ingleton Wood's social value offering," noted our Senior Social Responsibility Coordinator, Holly Sutherland. "By investing in young talent, we not only help nurture future industry leaders, but also contribute to creating stronger, more inclusive communities. Apprenticeships allow us to make a meaningful impact, empowering individuals while delivering lasting benefits to society."
If you’re passionate about shaping the built environment and eager to learn, we’d love to hear from you.
Click here to discover more about our apprenticeship (and early career) opportunities, and how to become part of a team dedicated to excellence and innovation.
Browse our Careers brochure to learn more about Ingleton Wood, and the potential pathways available across our practice.
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