2026 Apprenticeship Week Spotlight Review

Eric Wright Proud to Celebrate You

“In February 1979, our focus was clear: keep the company alive and protect the jobs of the 200 employees who made its purchase possible. After five years of building stability, I started thinking long-term about who would own the company, who would benefit from its success, and how to secure its future for everyone, especially the apprentices who will carry our skills, values, and vision forward.

From the very beginning, my goal has been to create real opportunities for employees and apprentices to build lasting careers in construction. To make this possible, the company had to be profitable, ethical, and forward-thinking. Establishing charitable shareholder status was the choice that best reflected these principles, ensuring stability, fairness, and a sustainable future.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that our people employees and apprentices alike are the heart of this company. Site visits are always a reminder of that, and it’s incredibly reassuring to see the next generation of managers and apprentices leading with skill, care, and commitment. Passing this responsibility to them is my proudest legacy, and I do so with full confidence in their success and the bright future of our company.”

Mr Eric Wright

Adam Simpson

Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year Finalist

Construction Degree Apprentice of the Year Finalist

Ruhin Patel

Construction Degree Apprentice of the Year Winner

If you would like to nominate an apprentice please contact Emma - egardner@ericwright.co.uk

First Year Apprentices

POPPIWATSON 26

I started my apprenticeship after leaving college, where I studied and explored career options. Struggling to discover my path. I completed the WOWEx programme, which gave me a real insight into the roles and the working environment offered at Eric Wright, helping me confirm my career choice. After WOWEx, I secured a degree apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying, which I have loved every aspect of.

So far, I’ve worked on a variety of tasks that have helped me develop new skills and grow in confidence. I work with people who inspire me and offer unconditional support. These first few months have been both challenging and rewarding, and my advice to new apprentices would be to ask lots of questions, stay motivated, and make the most of every opportunity to learn.

Eric Wright Contruction

IVANORMES

Previous to my apprenticeship I studied for a T Level in Civil Engineering and completed industry placement at a structural engineering practice.

After securing my apprenticeship with Eric Wright Water in 2025, I have worked on several projects. Currently I am working on a slip lining job in Runcorn, repairing and installing new pipework, which has taught me a lot so far, I really enjoy it.

I have learned lot about teamwork and problem-solving, and I’m keen to keep developing my skills and progress further into civil engineering or move into project management in the future.

Eric Wright Water

JACKMARTIN-TOOMEY

Before I started working for Eric Wright, I was a Warehouse Operative, working very long hours and not getting rewarded for my time.

I have been with Eric Wright Water for about 5 months now and it is by far the best job I have been in. They are extremely fair and very rewarding for what you do for the company, you are seen and heard especially if you have any queries or suggestions.

I have worked on a number of projects that have gotten me recognition from people above and I can say without a doubt I enjoy it thoroughly, work may be challenging at times but persevere and you will see how beneficial it is to work hard as a team and especially as an individual.

Eric Wright Water

I’m a first year Electrical Apprentice and I have found my first year at Eric Wright Water very good. I am able to be more confident in myself and my ability, which has grown being with Eric Wright. I can confidently do containment and glads and so much more.

My favourite job so far was in Crickieth. I enjoyed this job the most because it was the first job I went to and it was in the middle off summer so I had the sun glaring down on me and I was learning which was great.

I’m very thankful for this apprenticeship because I am more of a hands on learner rather than sitting in from of a computer, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.

Eric Wright Water

26 Experienced Apprentices

GEORGIASIMM 26

I started my apprenticeship in 2022 as a site manager, I have worked on many different jobs – cinemas, cricket ground, a school, old building remediation, flats and most recently demolition. I have had the chance to work jobs from pre-construction to handover.

My highlight has been managing my own large demolition, I have learnt a lot and expanded many skills, it is a fairly unique experience as we rarely do demolitions this big.

Another highlight is the people I have learnt from, especially my project and operations manager, they have so much knowledge and experience to learn from and are always more than happy to answer the millions of questions I ask!

Once I have completed my apprenticeship next year, I plan on using all I have gained to manage jobs effectively and push myself to be able to become a respected site manager and eventually moving to project manager.

Eric Wright Contruction

DANIELCOOKE 26

I am currently in my fourth year with EWC and have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in different sectors.

I currently am working on the pre-construction of a Passivhaus scheme getting prepared to start on site this year.

One of the my highlights recently is being apart of the team who handed over Seashell Trust which is a special education school in Stockport which will significantly benefit the lives of the students there.

Since beginning my career I have learnt the importance of communication and planning on construction projects and how each role is significant to a successful project. I am hoping to in the future become a Project Manager.

Eric Wright Contruction

SA’ADBARIWALA 26

I started with Eric Wright as an Apprentice Site Engineer in August 2024, and I am currently working on a bridge scheme in Salford.

This role has given me a strong understanding of day-to-day site engineering, including setting out line and level, quantities and volumes, and the use of engineering software such as Civils AutoCAD.

I have been really pleased with the skills I’ve developed so far, as they are highly transferable and valuable for both site-based and officebased roles in the future.

My highlight has been seeing the work come together on site and watching a project transform from initial stages into something that will have a lasting positive impact on the local community

Eric Wright Civil Engineering

IBRAHIMTAILOR 26

Since starting a year ago as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, I’ve gained valuable experience supporting the commercial team and watching a project grow.

I currently work on different Wastewater Treatment Works, and I can comfortably say I have grown professionally. My day to day includes, raising orders, completing subcontractor payments, joining commercial catchup calls with clients, and helping the team answer queries.

From walking in at 18, it was a big step up from college, but the process was streamlined with the amount of help and support I received. A standout for me was completing my first application for payment. It gave me confidence and made me feel proud of myself as I had successfully contributed to the project on my own.

Right now, I’m developing my ability to manage my own workload and on top of that, take on more responsibility. My long-term goal is to graduate university and work towards my MRICS chartership and become a confident and capable Quantity Surveyor.

Eric Wright Water

ISABELLAUPPINGTON 26

In the past year and a half of being an apprentice quantity surveyor for EWCE I have an ample opportunity to learn and grow between the variety of projects that I have worked on to the training days and people that I have worked alongside. In the upcoming years I aspire to be fully qualified and start to grow in my role.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering

26 Recent Graduates

KONNAGHHILL 26

Education: Construction Management degree apprenticeship. RICS: Project management pathway chartership (EPA).

EPA (Chartership) was a very challenging and demanding process to achieve; however, it was extremely beneficial in supporting my progression into the Project Manager role I now hold. It provided clear guidance and structure, helping me to develop the right experience required for the role and to become the best project manager I can be. Achieving this is a strong example of competence. It separates you from others by showing not only that you have developed the required knowledge through education, but that you are also able to apply this in work.

Hints/Tips:

Identify early which work activities you need to complete in order to demonstrate competence.

Don’t be afraid to approach other disciplines or departments where you need experience, ask them to show you the ropes and seek opportunities to take on tasks from them.

Try to identify activities early in your role that allow you to demonstrate multiple competencies at the same time.

Be confident in the experience you have gained, this will help significantly during the EPA interview.

Don’t put pressure to know everything, no one knows everything.

Eric Wright Water