Roger Bullivant Limited

We recently had a discussion with Andy Clark, National Piling Operations Manager at Roger Bullivant Limited about Apprenticeships and the impact of their partnership with The Sheffield College, Apprenticeships+.

Roger Bullivant Limited is a leading foundation engineering company specialising in the design and construction of foundations for all types of buildings and structures in various ground conditions.

As a part of their commitment to professional growth and development, the company proudly supports Apprentices in the construction sector, emphasising the importance of career progression within the organisation.

We started our chat by asking why they chose to use The Sheffield College, Apprenticeships+ as their training provider.

Choosing The Sheffield College was a strategic decision for Roger Bullivant Limited. Andy mentioned that “We chose The Sheffield College for the Apprenticeship programme as we knew they had delivered the standard in the past and had heard good things about their delivery. They are also based in the centre of England which is good as we have candidates from all over the country.”

Andy highlighted that when hiring Apprentices, they look for individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the construction and engineering industry, willing to learn and able to work well in a team.

Given the type of work, we wanted to understand what benefits they see in hiring Apprentices and why they choose to offer Apprenticeships alongside full-time and part-time employment.

Andy stated that there are many benefits and mentioned that Apprenticeships allow them to develop a skilled workforce tailored to their specific needs. He said: “This investment in talent often leads to higher retention rates as Apprentices grow within the company and advance in their careers.” He also mentioned that Apprentices bring new ideas and perspectives to the workplace, contributing to innovation and process improvements.

We then asked Andy if he had any advice for employers considering hiring their first Apprentice.

His response was: “Provide a supportive environment, assign a mentor, encourage open communication, be patient and understanding, set realistic expectations, celebrate successes, and seek feedback.” Andy emphasised that creating a welcoming and supportive work environment is crucial for the success of an Apprenticeship programme.

Our final question focused on advice to prospective Apprentices.

Andy encouraged potential Apprentices by highlighting the benefits of hands-on experience and professional growth, going on to say: “Seek feedback and use it to improve and grow. Build relationships with your mentors and colleagues, as they are valuable resources. Stay curious by always asking questions and striving to understand the bigger picture. An Apprenticeship is a fantastic way to kickstart your career with hands-on experience and professional growth.”

Our conversation with Andy showcases the skills and career progression available for an Apprentice and how the programmes can be used to strengthen and positively impact the workforce.

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