Samuel joined the Costain team on SPA as part of an apprenticeship programme sponsored by Anglian Water. Through their Collaborative Skills Programme, the Anglian Water Alliances work with four colleges in the region to develop local people in the skills needed for the local region. The full time course results in a qualification in Groundworks or Engineering plus an Employer Engagement Plan to develop business and personal skills.

“Through my BTEC in Engineering at college, I was given an interview by Costain to join SPA as an apprentice in 2021. Being part of the Anglian Water sponsored programme meant I was guaranteed an interview and place at the Assessment Centre. As a delivery partner on SPA, Costain offered me a place following my successful performance and I have been based in the Peterborough office since then!”

The apprenticeship programme gives students an opportunity to combine learning with hands on experience on one of the UK’s most complex and challenging infrastructure projects.

“During my time at SPA I have done CAD work ranging from planning application drawings all the way through to making sure the bedding we are using under our pipe is the correct grade. Alongside this, I have been involved with using VR headsets for the access, lifting and maintenance requirements as well as going on site to check the signal for hydrophones on a pipeline.

“Another element of the work I have been involved in is local career and recruitment forums and community liaison events. Being able to talk to the local communities about the work we are doing and the impact it will have, is a rewarding aspect of the work we do. I also really enjoy sharing my experience with those still in college and education – I can give them an idea of what it’s like to work in engineering and how important a role we have for UK infrastructure.”

The apprenticeship lasts two years with an end point assessment as the final exercise. Costain recruit for a wide number of different apprenticeships (level two through to seven) from administration and finance to civil engineering and materials technicians.

A final word of advice from Sam for those looking at an apprenticeship “Take any opportunity that comes up. I have learnt so much from just saying yes to peers and colleagues offering to support me and I hope to pass on that experience to others later on in my career.”

Connect with Samuel on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.