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Construction Trainee Review

at Kier Group

Degree Apprenticeship

Construction, Project Management

Greater Manchester

Review Submitted: February 2026

Overall Rating

4.6 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
4.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My official title is 'Construction Trainee' and my degree focuses on site management specifically, however no two days are the same on site and the variation that my job provides is something that keeps it both exciting and interesting. Some days I will focus on recording the quality and safety of work outside, using different software that Kier uses on a day-to-day basis. Other days will be design heavy, and I will spend time both in meetings and on site learning about the design of the build, or reading drawings etc. There is so much to learn within the construction industry and I really enjoy the role and appreciate the opportunity that I have been given.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love my programme. I am fortunate enough to work with some great colleagues who don't hesitate to support and help me whilst I am on my apprenticeship, and the wider support network at Kier is absolutely spot on for meeting other members of the apprenticeship group, as well as colleagues who have already been through the programme. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Kier family.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since joining Kier I have improved and gained several new skills. My confidence has improved significantly since joining my site team, as everyday tasks involve communicating with different subcontractors and stakeholders. Additionally, I have improved on my teamwork skills and technical skills, as I use several different types of software, including planning and design software.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Since joining Kier in September, I have found the degree apprenticeship to be a very well organised programme. The Emerging Talent team are in regular contact to remind us about upcoming events, university block weeks etc.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive the ideal amount of support from Kier. There is never too many emails/information sent across from the ET team, however there is enough to keep everyone in the loop/feel supported by the team. Each strand of Kier Group (construction/infrastructure etc.) have their own ET manager that they can contact as and when they need to.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
SHU are in contact every few weeks with links for support/ emails of individuals who we can contact for support with university work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have only just had my first block week down with my training provider in Sheffield, so I can't really comment on how the degree apprenticeship supports with my role. However I am sure in the coming few months and upcoming block weeks I will see how my qualification benefits my apprenticeship.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are several emerging talent events held every few months within my region. For example we spent an afternoon volunteering to litter pick by the local canal back in December, and have had the chance to meet up at the beginning of the year (September) to buddy up with other degree apprentices and had a social evening at the Cube Experience in Manchester.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Kier Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
-Thriving company in an ever growing industry (Construction)
-Great people who are willing to teach and help you develop your skills and confidence
-Strong support network from both Emerging Talent and regional offices
-Exciting, interesting and varied job roles available, with the opportunity to learn about different aspects of construction
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Kier Group?
-Do your research - the recruitment team will look to see if you have actually researched Kier as a company/different projects/opportunities.
-Be honest - it is not the end of the world if you don't have any work experience within construction (I didn't!). Kier wants to help you develop your skills and kickstart your career, even if you don't have any previous experience. Be honest about the skills you have gained in the past, and the ones you would like to develop.
-Take the risk - Why wouldn't you take the opportunity to work in such an exciting and vast industry? You'll never know until you try :)
In This Review
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