Paving the way to a successful career

Jack McNulty, from the Wirral, has been nominated as an apprentice of the year at the University of Salford as part of National Apprenticeship Week, thanks to his dedication and effort in both his studies and the workplace.

Jacks works for four days in his job, with one day a week free to study at Salford. Apprentices incur no student debt as part of their courses and have a guaranteed job at the end. He said he considered a degree and applied to do full time course before deciding on the apprenticeship route.

He said: “In this field of work an apprenticeship is better. It’s all about experience. I’d always recommend it to others. I can apply the things I’m learning in the classroom straight into my job and it really cements your learning. It can be tough, especially around exam time but work are good with giving me time off to revise.

“Getting nominated for apprentice of the year has been a really proud moment for me.”

Catherine McGrath, his manager at National Highways, said: “Jack joined National Highways (NH) as a Quantity Surveyor Apprentice.

“He didn't sit about being shy of not just people he didn't know but an industry he had no experience or knowledge in, he got stuck in introducing himself to people, asked about the projects he might be working on and certainly gave a great impression of someone with some previous experience and wants to learn more.

“Jack is pleasant, speaks up if he feels he has to and is encouraged to do this and has a natural thirst for learning. Jack has a good reputation not just amongst his peers but also from his various line managers he's had on his placements here at National Highways and the senior leaders.”