Shaping careers, building futures: the role of apprenticeships at Buro Happold

At Buro Happold, we believe in shaping careers and building futures. We understand the importance of nurturing talent, fostering growth, and creating pathways for individuals to thrive in their discipline in the dynamic world of engineering and consulting.  

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Lucy Davidson, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant Early Careers and Jo Cole, Associate HR Consultant share their valuable insights on our apprenticeship program. 

For those unfamiliar with the pathway, an apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to blend practical on-the-job training with part-time study, culminating in a valuable qualification from a recognised training provider. At Buro Happold, our apprenticeship program is designed to immerse individuals in a hands-on learning experience while working alongside industry experts and mentors. 

Lucy reflects on the profound impact of our apprenticeship program and how it has become integral to our commitment to our values of equity and inclusion. 

“Since its inception in 2019, our apprenticeship program has experienced significant growth, with the increase in hires from 6 in 2019 to 18 in 2024. This expansion reflects the program’s positive impact on our company culture and workforce dynamics with a diverse cohort of early-career professionals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to our projects. 

“The introduction of apprenticeships has diversified our talent pool, providing opportunities for individuals to progress within the organisation and contribute meaningfully to what we do at Buro Happold. 

“Our decision to launch the apprenticeship program was motivated by a desire to cultivate a diverse talent pipeline and extend opportunities to individuals who may not want to undertake traditional educational pathways. By embracing apprenticeships, we reinforce our commitment to equity and inclusion while empowering aspiring professionals to realise their full potential,” says Lucy. 

Overview of the Apprenticeship Program at Buro Happold 

The apprenticeship program encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, including Building Services, Sustainability & Physics, Structural and Civil Engineering, and Environmental Consulting. From day one, apprentices are assigned to a dedicated team within Buro Happold, where they receive tailored support and guidance from experienced colleagues. 

Each apprentice is paired with a buddy and mentor who provides both pastoral care and academic support throughout their apprenticeship. Additionally, the Buro Happold Young Employees Forum fosters a vibrant community where apprentices can engage in social activities and outreach initiatives, further enriching their experience. 

What skills and knowledge do apprentices gain during their time in the program? 

“Apprentices at Buro Happold gain more than just a qualification; they acquire invaluable skills, knowledge, and real-world experience that equip them for a successful career in their chosen field. Through hands-on training and exposure to live projects, apprentices develop a deep understanding of their discipline while honing essential competencies for future roles. 

If an Apprentice is working towards a Level Six Degree Apprenticeship, once they complete this, they can progress to Engineer or Consultant grade – not needing to be a ‘Graduate’ like candidates traditionally leaving University who would be at Graduate grade for two years before achieving Engineer or Consultant grade.” says Jo, Associate HR Consultant. 

Jo continues, “Our collaboration with universities is integral to the success of our apprenticeship program. We work closely with academic institutions to ensure that apprentices receive high-quality training and support that aligns with our standards of excellence. Through participation in apprenticeship standards development and collaboration with ‘trailblazer groups’, we contribute to shaping the future of apprenticeship education.” 

How are apprentices supported throughout their training period? 

Mentorship lies at the heart of our apprenticeship program at Buro Happold, with dedicated mentors providing guidance, support, and feedback to apprentices throughout their training journey. Line managers and colleagues play a crucial role in nurturing apprentice talent, offering mentorship, and creating a supportive environment for growth and development. 

“My favourite thing about being an apprentice at Buro Happold is being surrounded by so many other apprentices and graduates so we all feel like we are figuring out how to be engineers together”.

Neve Forbes, Building Services Apprentice with Buro Happold

How do you envision the apprenticeship program evolving in the future? 

“Looking ahead, we envision continued growth and expansion of our apprenticeship program, driven by the increasing availability of apprenticeship standards and the growing demand for skilled professionals in the engineering and consulting sectors. As we strive to ensure apprentices reach their full potential, we remain committed to fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and inclusivity at Buro Happold,” says Lucy. 

Ready for something a little less ordinary? To apply for our apprenticeship program or learn more about our opportunities, visit our careers page or contact us directly for more information.