From Learning to Leading as an Apprentice Site Manager

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Oliver Eaton, an Apprentice Site Manager in New Homes, to discuss his journey into the industry and hear about his experience during his apprenticeship so far.

Why did you choose the apprenticeship route? Did you look at other options?

Before starting my apprenticeship, I had studied Level 3 Construction Management in the built environment at college and went to university for a short time. However, I quickly realised that university wasn’t the right fit for me. I wanted a more practical, hands-on learning experience, so I turned my focus to an apprenticeship in construction. I found the Level 4 Site Supervisor apprenticeship with United Living, which seemed to be a much better fit. This meant that I could continue learning while gaining real experience, and that made all the difference for me.

What advice would you give to someone (or their teachers/parents) about how to find and apply for an apprenticeship?

I’d say to start looking early on and stay proactive. Websites like Indeed and gov.uk are great resources, and I recommend setting up job alerts, so you never miss an opportunity. It also helps to reach out to local employers directly, even if they don’t have any jobs posted.

What Level and what apprenticeship standard are you working towards?

I am currently working towards the Level 4 Site Supervisor apprenticeship. It’s a great fit and I’m learning a lot, developing my leadership and technical skills in construction.

How is your apprenticeship training delivered to you by your training provider?

Training is delivered through sessions via Teams on the last Wednesday of every month. It’s a great setup as it allows me to stay engaged with the content without interrupting my work schedule.

How have you developed and progressed in your role since starting your programme?

Since starting, I think I’ve made huge progress. I came into the role with little construction experience, but now I’m able to understand the different construction methods used on site. I’ve taken on responsibilities like conducting pre-plaster inspections and have been shadowing the site manager to learn about the final stages of construction. Beyond technical skills, I’ve also made significant strides in my communication and leadership abilities. In fact, I recently won the Site Supervisor of the Year award at my college, which was a proud moment for me.

Can you describe your typical day in work?

No two days are the same, which is one of the things I enjoy the most about the job. Each day brings new challenges, whether it’s coordinating teams, or ensuring that safety standards are met. My role is about solving problems and finding the best solutions for the team and the project. Every day I learn something new, which keeps things interesting.

Do you find your apprenticeship experience supportive, who supports you and how?

Yes – the site management team has been really supportive, sharing their knowledge and offering guidance. They’ve always made themselves available to answer questions, provide feedback, and help me improve my skills.

What’s next for you once you have completed your apprenticeship?

Once I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I’m looking to progress into an Assistant Site Manager role. I’d like to further develop my management skills, including handling larger teams and overseeing bigger projects. I’m excited about where this journey will take me and am eager to continue growing in the construction industry.

Interested in learning more? We offer a variety of Early Careers programmes across a wealth of roles.