Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026 | Investing in Talent

As part of Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026, we are proud to highlight Charlie, our first apprentice at SCC MEP!

Charlie chose the apprenticeship route to gain real-world experience alongside his studies in Digital Construction Management, allowing him to build a strong understanding of how the construction industry works and the type of role he hopes to progress into after completing his apprenticeship.

Charlie works alongside the SCC team on a daily basis, developing new skills and getting involved in real projects. Alongside this, he spends one day per week at SRC Tech, completing the theoretical side of his studies. This balance between hands-on experience and classroom learning has given him the opportunity to grow professionally while gaining a solid educational foundation.

Here’s what Charlie had to say about his experience so far:

🗣️Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
“I chose the apprenticeship route as it allows me to gain real-world experience instead of being in a classroom full-time. It has helped me gain a better understanding of how the construction industry works and the type of work I hope to be doing after my apprenticeship.”

🗣️What does a typical day look like for you?
“Every day at work is slightly different depending on what’s needed. I work alongside the team at SCC, learning new skills and getting involved in real projects. I also spend one day a week at SRC Tech learning the theoretical side of the construction industry, which gives me a good balance between education and practical experience.”

🗣️What have you enjoyed most so far?
“I’ve really enjoyed working alongside the people at SCC. I’ve felt supported and able to learn throughout my employment. Being able to work on projects that have a real-world impact while learning at the same time is what I enjoy most about my apprenticeship.”

🗣️What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
“I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it. I’ve been able to learn and gain experience in a short period of time that I don’t think I would have achieved through a different route.”

Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing future talent within our industry, and Charlie’s journey highlights the value of investing in people from the very beginning of their careers.

#NIApprenticeshipWeek #InvestingInTalent #Apprenticeships #DigitalConstruction #MEP #FutureTalent