Joe Sheehan Groundworks Apprentice at Castle Point Contract Services

Sometimes it’s good to catch up with apprentices who are in the middle of their journey to find out what motivates them, what it’s like leading a double life in a workplace and classroom and, of course, their vision of their future.

Joe Sheehan, 17 is one of them. He’s an apprentice at Castle Point Contract Services in Benfleet, Essex, who enrolled on the Groundworks Apprenticeship Course at Bircham Newton in 2024. The course lasts almost two years and covers civil engineering activities such as concreting, drainage, levelling, setting out, excavation, and basic project management.

So why groundworks, and why an apprenticeship?

Joe is unequivocal:

“I knew it was a stepping stone to what I actually want to do. I didn’t like school and I’m not interested in that kind of (classroom) learning, but I turn up every day because it’s a good route to go down for the career I want to build for myself.”

Describe a typical day in the life of Joe…

“Well, I turn up to site, get the permits out, then have a look at the drawings to see what I’ve got to do that day. Once I’ve done that, I – take today for example – I had to work out where to underpin for a structural wall. So I look at the drawings and get out the tools needed to start drilling.

Other days I help whoever needs help. And if I’ve been set my own tasks then I’ll normally have someone with me in case I have questions or need a hand.

Basically, I’m looking to complete tasks according to my supervisor’s notes or an engineer’s drawing.”

And what are your toughest challenges?

“It’s a 100-percent change in lifestyle,” says Joe. “I went from Year 11 and not knowing what I wanted to do in life, to working on these big projects. It was hard for the first couple of weeks but now I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

What would you say are the best parts of the job?

“The reward of seeing what you’ve worked hard all day to complete”, he reflects, “and meeting all kinds of people and characters (good for developing social skills) and learning how things – and the world around me – all work.

Then there’s the tutors at college – they’re very supportive and clearly want me to succeed in this industry.”

Any tips for a young person considering a career in construction or an NCC apprenticeship?

“Apprenticeships need to be seen as a choice more than they are,” he urged, “and more young people should get into construction as it’s a much-needed job at the moment – and it helps you gain skills for life. I love my apprenticeship. I think everyone should give one a go.”

And what about that career he wants to build for himself? (This is where things got really interesting…)

“To continue working my way up the ladder to a management position…or become a Quantity Surveyor or Project Manager…or launch my own company. Or study civil engineering at degree level.”