As part of its ongoing commitment to investing in the workforce of the future, Esh Group has welcomed 24 new apprentices into the business in this year’s cohort.
The new intake now brings the total number of Esh employees studying an apprenticeship up to 60, which is 7.3% of the whole group’s workforce.
Esh continues to provide a wide range of qualifications from Level 2 and 3 to degree apprenticeships and Higher National Certificates, offering a variety of subject areas including business administration and quantity surveying. This year, new opportunities have been introduced for people starting out in their careers in the group’s plant yard, with apprenticeships in Level 3 HGV Mechanics and a Level 3 Plant Fitter.
Chris Watson, HR Director at Esh Group, said: “At Esh we are committed to investing our time into young people to continue to build a strong future workforce year-on-year. Many long serving colleagues have progressed through the company – starting out as apprentices and climbing the ladder into senior positions – and I am excited to see this group thrive in their new roles with the company.
“A culture of ‘growing our own’ is central to Esh’s people strategy, ensuring apprentices are placed where they can excel personally and add value to the business.”
Apprentice Planner Elliott Pike is among the new entrants and will study a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Engineering at Gateshead College. Elliott undertook his work experience on the Tyne Bridge restoration project in February 2025, gaining a firsthand insight into the range of different pathways within the construction industry, from planning to project management.
He said: “I always knew that I wanted to move into an apprenticeship after finishing college, and my work experience on the Tyne Bridge confirmed that Esh was the right company for me.
“I was given the opportunity to start an apprenticeship in planning which really appealed to me – especially after being involved in a project task during my work experience that sparked my interest in the planning side of construction. I’m excited to be part of this year’s cohort, and I look forward to developing my career with Esh Group.”
Also joining the team at Esh is Danielle Fryer, a Trainee Engineer studying a Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering at Northumberland College. After completing a PlanBEE apprenticeship with Esh on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) scheme, Danielle has now returned to site as an Esh employee to continue her professional development and grow within the sector.
She said: “My initial placement with Esh through PlanBEE gave me invaluable hands-on experience and a real insight into the many aspects of the construction industry. Working closely with experienced engineers showed me how designs are transformed into live projects.
“Returning to the IAMP site as a degree apprentice feels like a natural next step. I saw first-hand the positive impact Esh has on the local community and how committed they are to supporting apprentices. That experience reassured me I’d be joining a team that truly invests in its people.”
Esh has highlighted its dedication to growing the next generation of industry talent after signing up to The 5% Club’s prestigious 2024-25 Employer Audit Scheme. In its first year, Esh achieved gold-accreditation membership, being recognised for an active approach to recruiting and retaining apprentices and graduates and promoting career opportunities for young people across the construction sector.
At Esh we are committed to investing our time into young people to continue to build a strong future workforce year-on-year. Many long serving colleagues have progressed through the company – starting out as apprentices and climbing the ladder into senior positions – and I am excited to see this group thrive in their new roles with the company.
“A culture of ‘growing our own’ is central to Esh’s people strategy, ensuring apprentices are placed where they can excel personally and add value to the business.”