National Apprenticeship Week: Ashe showcases construction careers

Gulsheer Khan, apprentice construction site supervisor, explains why the apprenticeship route was the right choice after completing a T Level in construction design, planning and surveying

Why did you decide to do a T Level and how did you get your apprenticeship with Ashe Construction?

It might sound corny but my decision to go into construction was sparked by my love of playing with Lego as a child. When I found out that you could do a T Level in construction, I knew it would give me the chance to learn while being practical.

The course not only allowed me to acquire comprehensive knowledge but also enabled me to explore a diverse range of building sites. The invaluable work experience during the programme has given me a really good insight into the world of construction.

I had a limited understanding of the industry but during my course I spent every Monday for 10 months doing work experience with Ashe.

The company was constructing the new South Central Institute of Technology building at Milton Keynes College, where I was a student.

The experience exposed me to lots of aspects of the building process and the team assigned me tasks such as examining construction plans and carrying out basic activities like setting up a dry riser.

I met key people who played important roles in the process – including the planner, the temporary works manager and project manager – who all generously helped me with my college projects, patiently answering my questions and helping me to integrate into the team.

What do you hope to get out of your training?

I will gain experience in various departments, which will give me a comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle. While my ultimate goal is to become a project manager, I am eager to explore different roles during this learning journey. 

What characteristics do you think you need to be a good site supervisor?

You definitely need to be a good communicator with good problem-solving skills. I also think you need to be creative and a team player, but you also need leadership qualities.

Why is now a good time to join the industry and what do you enjoy most about working in construction?

The industry has seen a decline in the number of young people joining it – I saw this as a great opportunity because demand for young people will increase as the workforce gets older.

There is lots of teamwork and I’m a team player and there’s also lots of opportunity to grow and go into different roles.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt so far and the biggest surprise?

I’ve been working with our health and safety manager, and I’ve learnt the safety protocols and how they are implemented on sites. 

I have been to lots of sites now and what’s really surprised me the most is seeing how the weather can change the course of the work. It’s shown me how site teams can react and make crucial decisions. 

Bradley Ubakie-Kakie is an apprentice construction site supervisor, following a work experience placement during his T Level in design, surveying and planning at Bedford College

Why did you decide to do a T Level and how did you get your job with Ashe?

A T Level is a nationally recognised qualification that takes two years to complete and is roughly equivalent to three A Levels. Businesses and employers helped to design T Levels, so you know that you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need in your chosen career.

Following my GCSEs, I felt that completing a T Level in design, surveying and planning would give me a good understanding of the sector and put me in good stead for an apprenticeship within the industry.

During my studies, I completed my placement with Ashe Construction on its project at Biddenham International School. I was then offered an apprenticeship opportunity to continue my studies while gaining valuable experience. 

What do you hope to get out of it?  

Following the successful completion of my apprenticeship, I would like to continue with further studies to achieve a construction-related degree and progress my career in the industry in my chosen discipline. 

What characteristics do you think you need to be a good site supervisor? 

You’ve definitely got to have strong organisational skills and the ability to adapt. You need to be able to quickly absorb and relay information and have a proactive approach to solving problems.

What attracted you to the construction industry?

The built environment provides the foundations for world needs, so a career in construction is really exciting. 

One of the reasons I want to work in construction is that it will encourage me to maintain an innovative mindset for the future.

The team at Ashe has made me feel very welcome. I’ve worked closely with my colleagues, and they have made me feel like a valued member of the team.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt so far and the biggest surprise? 

Having started with the estimating department, the biggest surprise has been seeing how complex the job is and the work being put in to provide a compliant tender submission.

Seeing every role playing their part – from the graphic design to responding to pre-qualification questions surrounding sustainability – it has been a hugely valuable experience. There’s so much that goes into it.

What project are you currently working on and what will your responsibilities be on the job?

I’m helping Ashe tender for a healthcare project. As part of my job, I’ve been asked to provide a subcontractor tracker, chasing up tender enquiries with subcontractors and filling out a pre-construction log.

What’s your working week like?

I start at 8.30am and finish at 5pm from Tuesday to Friday. On Mondays I go to Bedford College to study for my HNC course, which includes construction design, construction environment and construction technology.

It is beneficial for me as I then use the knowledge gained on my course and apply it to my tasks at work. I’ll take an end point assessment to achieve my degree.