Apprentice Name
Will Buse
What apprenticeship did you study?
Apprentice Roadworker where I undertook my NVQ 2 in Highway Maintenance and also my ONC Civil Engineering.
After three and a half years in this role this I interviewed for an Engineering Technician role to be able to progress through and undertake my HNC in civil engineering.
Both my ONC and HNC were completed through Plymouth City College on day release.
What opportunities has your apprenticeship with Cormac provided you?
I’ve had so many opportunities through my time with Cormac, to experience working on the tools through to being involved in making business decisions which shape the way we work in my current role.
Whilst working on the tools I experienced all aspects of highway maintenance alongside some time spent on minor schemes, really understanding what makes us tick as a business. This has enabled me to not only appreciate what the teams go through on a daily basis but also helps me daily to understand the factors that are required to keep the teams moving.
Cormac has also supported me through my NVQ L6 Construction Contracting Operations Management and also helping me gain professional status within the industry.
What is your current role and how did you get here?
My official title is Assistant Resource Manager, I’m currently looking after the implementation and introduction of digital planning and working across the business/workforce. Alongside this I manage the Cormac Planning teams.
From starting as an apprentice road worker, I then moved into an Engineering Technician role where I experienced a Highways Steward role alongside spending some time within the property department, I then moved into a full time Highway Steward role covering the Truro and Roseland area. After this I worked as a works manager covering a couple of different areas in this time looking after the operational teams, I then progressed into a works coordinator role looking after road markings, vehicle safety fencing and headed up the reactive scheduling team for Cornwall. The opportunity then arose to move into a Contracts Manager role, within this role is progressed into a Project Manager role and then Assistant Resource Manager to roll out and develop a digital working solution for the Cormac business.
What is your favourite thing about working for Cormac?
There’s lots, but probably my favourite would be the people, Cormac has a great support network of people with different skill sets, there’s always someone who generally knows the answer that you can talk to.
What skills and experience did you Apprenticeship give you, that you still use today in your current position?
Problem solving and understanding there is generally always a solution available to any issue. Being able to take a step back, have a view of the bigger picture an see a way forward.
What has been your proudest moment during your career to date?
There are a few things that I’ve done over the years but recently being asked to implement and roll out Cormac’s digital working solution is definitely up there.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Go into it with an open mind and grab the opportunities that are provided to you along the way, sometimes the opportunities presented might not be exactly what you want but the skills you learn throughout will help support and shape your journey.
Why should someone choose an apprenticeship with Cormac?
From my personal experience the support, knowledge and varied opportunities that you’re surrounded with through the apprenticeship programme, I don’t believe you would get there any where else in Cornwall. Having the ability to shape your own career path and supported through the entire process. Being given the opportunities to learn and get paid to do so, encouraged to progress through professional organisations whilst living in Cornwall