SCF Contractor Apprenticeships

Connor Thurston

Apprenticeship Role: Supply Chain Management

Contractor: Morgan Sindall

Connor began his career in the automotive industry, taking on an apprenticeship with high hopes. But it wasn’t long before he realised that the factory environment wasn’t where he saw his future. Seeking a path that offered more variety and freedom, he made the bold decision to pivot and hasn’t looked back since. Joining the team as a Trainee Supply Chain Manager, Connor quickly found his stride. Now undertaking a degree
apprenticeship, he supports SCF projects across our Cardiff, Plymouth, and Southampton
business units. The role gives him exactly what he was looking for, the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and experience something different every day.

“I really enjoy travelling to different projects. I get to set my own schedule, and every day brings something new, whether it’s working with different project teams or building relationships with our supply chain.”

Initially set to complete his apprenticeship in 2029, Connor is now aiming for October 2026, fast-tracking his development by doubling up on assignments, a clear sign of his dedication and drive. Outside of work, Connor brings the same energy to his personal life. He’s passionate about cinema—a shared love that he enjoys with his dad, as well as weightlifting and running.

Most recently, he completed a half marathon alongside colleagues from the Cardiff business unit, raising funds for Llamau, a charity supporting women and children facing homelessness. Connor’s story is one of adaptability, ambition, and purpose. Proof that the right career path doesn’t always start at the beginning but often emerges when you have the courage to change direction.

Isabel Crossen-White

Apprenticeship Role: Construction Management

Contractor: Tilbury Douglas

“I’m Isabel Crossen-White, and I am currently completing a HNC in construction management at Solent University and working for Tilbury Douglas on our Luminous Oak project. This is a school which will provide 125 places for SEMH children commissioned by Hampshire County Council. I chose to pursue an apprenticeship as it will provide me with a unique experience that combines classroom theory and real onsite experience. I find the best way to learn is to try new things, practise new skills and sometimes fail but learn something from that failure. I also knew that by choosing an apprenticeship I would be mentored by extremely experienced individuals in the construction sector.

Growing up I have watched my parents take on home renovations. When product design appeared on the curriculum it quickly became a favourite subject of mine. By A level, I realised that I no longer wanted to make products but instead something that would be more meaningful and lasting to communities and future generations.

The team I work with have made sure that I have had lots of opportunities to learn so many different aspects of site management. I was fortunate enough to join my team at the early stages of the build and have been able to see the planning, preparation and work of the whole team to ensure that key moments such as concrete slab pours and steel frame installations run smoothly, efficiently and safely. Seeing the building evolve through the various construction phases makes me feel proud that our work is going to benefit the local community for generations to come.

My advice to young people looking at apprenticeships would be, be passionate about whatever it is you are applying for. Apprenticeships will provide you with so much more experience and learning opportunities which are not just theoretical but based on real-life situations. So just go for it and say yes to all the great opportunities that will come your way.”

Hayden Smith – Winner of SCF Apprentice of the Year
(South West)

Apprenticeship Role: Management Trainee

Contractor: Willmott Dixon
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Hayden Smith is a driven and ambitious professional with a clear vision for his future in the construction industry. His dedication to continuous learning and personal growth sets him apart, demonstrating leadership qualities far beyond his years. From the outset of his career, Hayden has embraced challenges, taking on responsibilities with enthusiasm and proving himself a valuable member of the team. His proactive approach to collaborative working, commitment to health and safety, and passion for sustainability showcase his potential.

Hayden takes ownership of responsibilities beyond his role and has also made a significant impact on sustainability across environmental, social, and economic aspects. As a sustainability champion on-site, he actively works to reduce unrecoverable waste by collaborating with the supply chain to implement leaner practices and ensuring design accuracy to prevent material wastage.

Hayden actively visits schools, colleges, and universities to break misconceptions about construction, showing that it’s not just about bricks and mortar but an exciting, dynamic, and rewarding career path. By sharing his own journey, his passion for Lego as a child, his apprenticeship, and his hands-on experiences, he connects with students of all ages, from primary school children to T-level students and university graduates. Inspiring the next generation by sharing his experiences and enthusiasm for the industry.

Zak Scarborough – Winner of SCF Apprentice of the Year
(Southeast & London)

Apprenticeship Role: Assistant Site Manager

Contractor: Galliford Try
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Zak first joined Galliford Try on a work experience placement after a site tour. His curiosity and proactive attitude were immediately clear. What began as a one week placement quickly grew into more when Zak requested an extension and later secured a technical apprenticeship entirely through his own initiative. Zak is currently acting as Assistant Site Manager on Rowan Wood School, has confidently taken on complex responsibilities, including leading the frontend enabling and PCSA works, managing contaminated ground removal, and coordinating early contractor packages.

Recognising the importance of strong community relationships, Zak introduced a personable, doortodoor engagement approach, building trust with neighbours and maintaining transparent communication throughout the project.

Zak manages daily operations, coordinates subcontractors, and supports client engagement. A champion of digital innovation, he drives Fieldview usage, authors MSite inductions, and contributes to health and safety documentation. As Carbon and Waste Champion, he promotes sustainable practices across the site. His creativity shines through initiatives like the Housekeeping League Table, and his commitment to social value is demonstrated through tracking contributions and coordinating community initiatives—such as repurposing felled timber for a local forest school.

Katie Rides

Apprenticeship Role: Site Manager

Contractor: Bam

Tom Hemsley

Apprenticeship Role: Quantity Surveyor

Contractor: Bam

Katie joined Bam through the South West Shared Apprentice Scheme in 2019. Working on a number of SCF Projects to further enhance her experience and skills, she successfully completed her level 4 and is due to be commencing the Construction Management Degree at Sheffield Hallam University this year. A member of ICE, Katie is an excellent female role model to aspiring young people. She is heavily involved with education engagement and has created a career journey vlog. The vlog has been shared with career and youth services and has been instrumental in reaching and inspiring disengaged young people.

Thriving at BAM, Tom successfully applied to the Technical Apprentice Programme with us, starting as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor on the SCF Elm Park Project. Tom also attends events to inspire others and is an ideal role model in this space. “Having been a BAM Apprentice since September 2022, I can confidently say that I have no regrets and have felt very welcome in my first few months. The role is a great opportunity to gain qualifications whilst learning skills on the job. Great company and great people, highly recommend!!

Ellie Lewis

Apprenticeship Role: Site Manager

Contractor: Bowmer and Kirkland

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On site, no two days are ever the same for Ellie, and that’s exactly what she loves about her role, whilst working on the school, she had the opportunity to run her own weekly meetings for supervisors to discuss the work for the week ahead, this helped her build her confidence manage tasks and take responsibility.

Ellie said: “As an apprentice, being given the task of running meetings was a key step in my development to becoming a Site Manager, I now have the confidence to run meetings myself as I have been encouraged and supported by the team along the way. I am really starting to see how I am progressing in terms of confidence and understanding of health and safety, construction terminology and software.

“The on and off the job training that a construction apprenticeship provides is invaluable. I can apply theory learnt at university to day-to-day activities, work towards a high-class degree whilst earning a salary. As a Bowmer + Kirkland apprentice you receive a wide range of training and you’re supported along the way.”

Cody Wood

Apprenticeship Role: Commercial Trainee

Contractor: Kier

Background
From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by construction and have wanted to pursue a career within the industry. During year 11, I completed a week’s work experience with a Bristol architectural firm. Even though it was great fun, I soon realised design wasn’t quite right for me. After completing my A-Levels in May 2021, I set out to find a career within the construction industry. I came across the role of a Quantity Surveyor & was instantly drawn in. The Kier Degree Apprenticeship was presented to me by someone who I knew worked at Kier, and I was quick to apply! After a challenging round of interviews, I began my journey as a Commercial Trainee in November 2021.

Current Role
I am assisting the surveyors on the new net-zero carbon Winterstoke Hundred Academy Expansion (WHAE) project in Weston Super Mare. The Kier team here are great & have helped me settle in nicely. It is an exciting project to be apart of, especially as it’s my first & I look forward to the next 18 months delivering this new, one of a kind Academy which will be part of the Cabot Learning Federation, for North Somerset Council.
I am currently enrolled in a five year Kier degree programme with Sheffield Hallam to become a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor. I work on site with Kier at full-time, with interim visits to Sheffield.

Highlights
The past 4 months at Kier have been very challenging, but also great fun! I’ve met a lot of amazing people within Western and Wales & travelled to many sites as far as Devizes to gain valuable construction knowledge.
A highlight from my time here must be finding out I would be assisting Craig Thomas & the team on the WHAE project in Western. It’s an extremely exciting project for Kier, and I feel privileged to be a part of the team delivering it.
Another highlight would be seeing the amazing benefits & fun team activities Kier offer to its employees. There are lots of ways to raise money for charity & I will be participating in a Triathlon in the coming months, so that’s something to look forward to!