As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 continues, Senior Quantity Surveyor George Adair is sharing the story behind his 12-year journey with Lumsden & Carroll – a path that began with a Level 3 apprenticeship and has grown into a rewarding career in civil engineering.
George, who hails from Langley Park, claims his path into the industry wasn’t straightforward. After completing sixth form, he commenced a degree in politics at university but soon realised it wasn’t the career for him. He said: “There wasn’t much push towards apprenticeships when I was doing my A Levels. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I went along with university even though it wasn’t the right fit for me.”
From dropping out of university, George sought the advice of family members, several of whom worked in construction already, and when an opportunity arose at Esh, he jumped at it. “I’d done a work experience placement with my cousin when I was at secondary school so I knew there were good options and that I could enjoy the work,” added George.
“By going down the apprenticeship route, I was soon in a much better place. The hybrid approach worked for me. I struggled with purely classroom-based learning at A Level, but at Esh I could see what my career might look like from day one. You’re earning, learning, and realising quickly whether it’s the right path.”
From joining Lumsden & Carroll – Esh’s housing infrastructure division - as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor studying a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying in 2014, he progressed through Level 4 and 5 qualifications at New College Durham, while gaining essential experience working on live roads and sewers schemes across the North East.
Twelve years from starting out, George is now a Senior Quantity Surveyor, and he is passing on his industry expertise as he guides a new crop of apprentices taking their first steps into the industry on a road he knows only too well.
He said: “You forget how green you once were, so there is a certain amount of patience required, but we all have to start somewhere. Apprentices are usually 16 or 17, so they need guidance, not pressure, but the best part is that Esh provides continued support so that we can deliver mentoring in the correct fashion.
“Apprenticeships are a great idea though – I’d recommend them to anyone. You get real experience, an education, and a wage. If you start at 16, you’re five years ahead on your career journey than anyone who waits until after university. Apprenticeships open the door – you just have to walk through it and embrace the opportunity.”