This year's National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) ran from 10 to 16 February and we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate our apprentices. NAW puts a much-needed spotlight on apprentices – showcasing the positive impact schemes like theirs have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
What is an apprentice?
An apprenticeship scheme is a paid position at a company where the employee works in a role, getting on-the-job training (80% of their time), but is doing so alongside a programme of study (around 20% of their time) to achieve a degree, or another qualification.
Anyone above the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship, and these schemes come in varying levels:
Our apprenticeships give people the opportunity to learn real-life skills while they study. An apprenticeship is the best of both worlds – where practicality and theory meet - giving those on the schemes a great start to their careers.
We have 26 colleagues who are currently on an engineering/building services apprenticeships and more than 80 on data and AI apprenticeships.
Meet our apprentices.
David Iroegbunam, Trainee.
Building Services Design Engineer degree apprenticeship, Coventry University
Hoare Lea’s apprenticeship scheme has given me lots of exciting opportunities and opened many doors. Being able to learn on the job and fully integrate myself into the industry, working on different interesting projects while studying at university, enables me to apply my knowledge to real-life practice. Going to networking events, especially with other apprentices, has allowed me to hone my people skills while creating more links in the corporate world. I’m excited to continue my development here!
Eleanor Gray, Associate Director.
AI for Business Value apprenticeship, Multiverse
I began the AI for Business Value apprenticeship in October 2024 with an interest in AI but limited knowledge. Since then, we’ve explored key areas such as AI foundations, data in AI, and AI ethics.
This apprenticeship has provided structure to help understand how AI could drive value within the firm. The modules have been thought-provoking, but what I’ve found most rewarding is the self-directed learning—whether through module study, project work, or real-world application within my role.
The dedicated time and space to deepen my AI expertise have been incredibly valuable. Additionally, connecting with colleagues across the firm who are also on the same journey has been a highlight. Being part of this development at Hoare Lea feels exciting and laden with potential, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities AI will unlock for us in the future.
Ethan Ledger, Technician.
Building Services Design Engineer degree apprenticeship, Leeds Beckett University
When I finished A-Levels, including the Design Engineer Construct (DEC) course, I started on my journey with Hoare Lea.
I’ve been here for two and a half years now, and it’s been an enriching experience. I have had the privilege of engaging in projects across diverse sectors, allowing me to apply and expand upon the knowledge gained through my part-time BEng in Building Services Engineering. This apprenticeship has given me an exponential growth in both my technical and practical skills.
Seeing other Apprentices join along the way has been enjoyable, as I can reflect to where I was when I joined and use that to help them the same way I was helped.
Amo Athwal, BIM Team Lead.
Data Fellowship apprenticeship, Multiverse
Undertaking the Data Fellowship apprenticeship has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. This apprenticeship has provided me with a strong foundation in data structures, data visualization for stakeholders, and data forecasting.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program has been its direct applicability to my day-to-day work. I now leverage Power BI to visualize data from Revit models, improving both efficiency and insight.
Multiverse has been an exceptional platform for this apprenticeship. I often say that I wish Multiverse had run my university course—the level of support is unparalleled. With access to multiple experts for course content, a thriving community, and supplementary lectures that extend beyond the curriculum, the experience has been truly enriching.
I recently did an FAQ for the apprenticeship; you can check it out here!
Charlotte Knowles, ESG Consultant.
L3 Data Literacy apprenticeship, Multiverse
Over the past 13 months, my Level 3 Data Literacy apprenticeship has significantly enhanced my understanding of data management, storage, and architecture. I’m also proud to share I qualified with a Distinction!
I have developed essential skills in data cleaning, validation, and analysis using Microsoft Excel, which have streamlined my workflow and saved me countless hours. I can now automate several processes, reducing the need for manual tasks and allowing me to focus on more meaningful work.
A key achievement has been building a carbon management dashboard in Power BI, allowing me to visualise and communicate sustainability metrics effectively. Working with large datasets in Power BI has also enabled me to glean insights that would have been challenging to uncover last year. The variety of visualisations available in Power BI has transformed how I present information, making my analyses more engaging and impactful.
Overall, this apprenticeship has led me to provide better advice to clients through enhanced data insights and visual storytelling.
Aleksandra Marczak, Energy Consultant.
Data Literacy apprenticeship, Multiverse
I recently completed my Level 3 Data Literacy apprenticeship, achieve a Merit. This 12-month program provided me with hands-on experience in cleaning, automating and visualising data, while allowing me to apply it to my projects at Hoare Lea.
This apprenticeship has been invaluable in enhancing my technical and problem-solving skills and it has sparked new ideas for my future development in the data field.
Steve Collins, Senior Associate.
Data Literacy apprenticeship, Multiverse
I’ve recently completed the Data Literacy apprenticeship, and it’s completely changed the way I think about BIM and digital workflows. The programme has really helped me dig into data, make sense of it, and use it in smarter ways, bridging the gap between design and insights. One of the best parts has been putting these skills into action—like creating interactive dashboards for building services space data.
What I’ve enjoyed most is the shift in perspective—realising that data isn’t just figures on a spreadsheet but a powerful tool that can drive better decisions and efficiency. The apprenticeship offered structured learning with hands-on experience, making everything feel relevant and useful in my day-to-day work.
Programmes like this are so valuable because they let you learn while working, keeping us ahead in an industry that’s becoming more data-driven by the day. It’s been a great opportunity to connect, grow, and help push digital change at Hoare Lea.