GRAHAM has committed to developing the next generation of industry talent to combat industry-wide skills shortages as it marks National Apprenticeship Week (9th – 15th February) across England.
With a number of apprentices taking part in nationally recognised apprenticeship pathways across the company’s various divisions, 93 per cent of trainees continue in employment with the business after successfully completing their practical and educational programmes.
More than a quarter of GRAHAM’s apprentices are female, a figure that surpasses the industry average of 15 per cent.
This demonstrates how the national contractor’s Diversity Equality and Inclusion initiatives – such as its ConstructHER programme, which is dedicated to helping young women in Scotland forge careers in construction – are encouraging and diversifying the workforce.
Whilst most apprentices are aged between 19 and 24, GRAHAM also provides opportunities for those aged 25 and over to build a rewarding and meaningful career.
Around 15 per cent of GRAHAM colleagues are enrolled in structured ‘Earn and Learn’ programmes, which includes apprentices, graduates, placement year students and those completing NVQs.
This group of people play a crucial role in supporting projects across the UK and ROI, from trainee engineers, quantity surveyors, civil engineers
Helen Vint, Head of Learning & Development at GRAHAM, said:
“The construction industry is facing a significant skills gap, and we believe employers must play an active role in addressing it.
“At GRAHAM, we invest in developing emerging talent from the outset, creating clear pathways from apprenticeships to sustained, flexible and fulfilling careers. Retaining 93% of our apprentices into full-time employment is a powerful indicator that this approach is working.
“National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to highlight what works and inspire the next generation, including more female talent, to join the sector. Our focus remains on providing real opportunities and clear pathways for progression across the business.”
Since 2023, GRAHAM has supported more than 420 apprentices across its business and wider supply chain, generating almost £5M in social value between 2023 and 2025 according to its latest IMPACT data report.
The contractor was recently reaccredited with the business Platinum membership of The 5% Club, recognising employers who provide significant investment in structured training opportunities for employees.