GRAHAM - Apprentice employer case study
We spoke to Danielle McDowell, Emerging Talent Advisor at GRAHAM, to find out how a company with more than two centuries of history is investing in its next generation and why, with 93% of apprentices choosing to stay after completing their studies, the results speak for themselves.
We asked Danielle...
How have apprenticeships supported workforce development, skills growth, or staff retention within your organisation?
Apprenticeships have become an essential part of how we strengthen the GRAHAM workforce, supporting the day-to-day delivery of our projects, building on their knowledge, technical ability, and professional confidence, and delivering lasting impact to our communities and clients.
Apprentices bring fresh ideas, new energy, and up-to-date industry knowledge, and that combination has a real impact on how our teams approach challenges, solve problems, and adapt within an industry that continues to change at a pace.
Their integrated learning path, balancing university study with hands-on, practical experience, means they quickly grow in confidence, develop strong technical competence, and gain a deep, real-world understanding of how our projects operate. This dual approach significantly strengthens their development and, in turn, supports the wider skills growth across our business.
When apprentices feel supported, invested in, and trusted to contribute meaningfully, they naturally build strong connections with their teams and the organisation. With 93% of our apprentices choosing to stay with GRAHAM after completing their studies, this clearly reflects the strength of our development programmes and the alignment between our culture and their career aspirations.
This investment in early-career talent, combined with our high retention rate, strengthens our teams, reduces recruitment pressures, and ensures we continue to grow a skilled, resilient pipeline of future leaders who understand the GRAHAM core values.
What motivated your organisation to offer apprenticeships, and why did you choose the University of Salford as your training provider?
Our motivation for offering apprenticeships is deeply rooted in our belief that our long-term success depends on developing talent from within. With more than two centuries of history behind us, we know that investing in people is one of the most powerful and sustainable ways to strengthen our organisation. The individuals we support today will go on to become the experts, innovators, and leaders who shape our future projects and uphold the standards we are known for.
Apprenticeships give us the opportunity to engage with individuals at the very start of their careers and to provide them with a strong foundation for growth. Through structured learning, meaningful hands-on experience, and clear pathways for progression, we nurture their skills in ways that align with both industry demands and the values we live by every day. This approach supports the growth of our early-career colleagues while building a skilled workforce that is firmly aligned with GRAHAM's values and culture.
We chose the University of Salford because their apprenticeship programmes in Construction Management and Civil Engineering are strongly aligned with the needs of our industry and the demands of our projects.
Salford has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the built environment and delivers training that is practical, applied, and closely connected to real site conditions.
What are the key benefits apprenticeships bring to your organisation?
Apprenticeships bring a wide range of real benefits to GRAHAM, both in supporting our long-term growth and in the day-to-day running of our business. One of the biggest advantages is the steady stream of fresh ideas and new ways of thinking that apprentices introduce.
Their enthusiasm, combined with their exposure to the latest industry tools, methods, and technologies, helps us remain innovative in a sector that’s constantly evolving. Because apprentices apply what they learn directly to live, real-world projects, they often help us identify smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient ways of working from the very start.
They also play a key role in strengthening our internal talent pipeline. With 15% of our workforce currently on earn-and-learn programmes, apprenticeships are deeply embedded in how we grow future capability.
These programmes help us shape well-rounded professionals who understand not only the technical side of their role but also our values, processes, and collaborative culture. Combined with our high retention rate, this means many apprentices continue contributing long after their studies, helping us maintain consistent quality across all areas of the business.
Apprentices make a noticeable difference within teams from day one.
Their curiosity and willingness to learn encourage knowledge sharing and mentorship, helping to build a workplace culture where development and continuous improvement truly matter. Their mix of academic insight and hands-on experience often leads to better decision-making, more efficient solutions, and stronger outcomes for our clients and the communities we support.
Based on your experience, would you recommend apprenticeships and the University of Salford to other organisations?
Based on our experience, we would absolutely recommend bringing on apprentices to develop talent. Apprenticeships deliver undeniable value through strong skills growth, long-term retention, and the creation of a motivated, industry-ready workforce. At GRAHAM, apprentices are not just learners; they are meaningful contributors whose impact is felt across the entire organisation.
We would wholeheartedly recommend the University of Salford to any employer considering bringing apprentices into their organisation. Their tutors bring genuine, hands-on industry experience, and the programmes are shaped around the technical, safety, and leadership skills apprentices need from day one.
We have been incredibly impressed by Salford’s apprenticeship team; they are consistently supportive, approachable, and responsive, always willing to answer questions, clarify processes, and offer guidance. Their openness and expertise have made the entire experience smooth and reassuring, not only for apprentices navigating new territory but also for us as the employer.
What advice would you give to organisations considering apprenticeships for the first time?
For organisations exploring apprenticeships for the first time, our strongest advice is to focus on potential rather than prior experience. Apprentices bring curiosity, ambition, and a willingness to learn, qualities that, in our experience, are the true drivers of success.
It is also important to create a structured and supportive environment. Apprentices thrive when given clear development pathways, regular mentorship, and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals across various departments.
Encouraging exposure to different parts of the business not only builds confidence but also strengthens their understanding of how their role contributes to the wider organisation. Apprenticeships require commitment, but the rewards include increased capability, innovation, and a motivated workforce invested in your organisation’s future.
